At Dowling Urban Environment School, we recognize the need to develop real world talents in ALL of our students, following the district's Talent Development and Advanced Learner Education (TDALE) model. Throughout the school year, we offer our students opportunities to discover passions and develop interests in a variety of ways.  Events that bring real-world interest-based, and enriched learning experiences into our classrooms are called Level I  Services.  These include:

• Classroom-based centers 
• Guest speakers like Geologists and Cartographers, Kind Arthur, Environmental speakers
• Field trips to Ordway, MIA, Arboretum, Gibbs Farm, The Bakken, etc.
• Specialist classes
• Residencies with organizations such as Upstream Arts
• Enrichment focus with E-STEAM Fridays or Enrichment Block afternoons
• Environmental Education Activities
• Spelling Bee

Level II Services are experiences that MANY students participate in to deepen interest areas through clubs or enrichment clusters, interest-based studies, before- and after school programs, and competitions.  Some examples:

• Challenge Math Activities
• GISE/GEMS
• School Patrol
• Student Council
• Festival of Nations
• After school Community Ed classes like Archeology, Chess, Food Plant Biology

Level III Services are offered to identified Advanced Learners and may include:

• Enrichment Level Reading/Math Groups
• Advanced Differentiation Projects
• Field trips like the Young Authors Conference where students in grades 4 and 5 who are interested in writing get the opportunity to attend a full day event at Bethel College

Advanced Learner Identification involves a process of screening students.  MPS screens all second graders across the district.  Students in Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, and 4th can be referred for screening.  Information is sent home to all parents in October each year.  

 

Please contact your child's teacher for information about Talent Development and Advanced Learning in the classroom.  For more information and resources from the district, click on the "Advanced Differentiation" document link below.   If you have questions, or ideas on how you can help offer additional enrichment activities, please contact Sue Gonyea: susan.gonyea@mpls.k12.mn.us or 612-668-4410.