SEEK K-5

Students Exploring and Expanding Knowledge

SEEK is Wilson County School's gifted/academically advanced program that serves grades 2-5. SEEK was established as an academic enrichment program to serve high achieving and gifted and talented students in Wilson County Schools.  The objective of the program includes the provision of academically rigorous work and experiences beyond the scope of the normal activities provided in the regular classroom. The goal of the SEEK program is to provide experiences whereby the students will be challenged academically, socially, and emotionally to achieve their greatest potential. The SEEK program exists for the students who are capable and ready to learn at the levels of depth and complexity necessary to go beyond their appropriate grade levels. Its guiding characteristic is the provision of differentiated and independent studies which meet both cognitive and affective needs. Students will discover new ideas or solutions to situations through critical and creative thinking, along with cognitive and affective learning experiences. Through their experiences in SEEK, students will discover the joy of exploration and discovery and develop the capacity to become lifelong learners. 

• Grades 2-5 receive services for approximately 90 minutes each week.
• Meeting times may vary among schools.
• During SEEK class, SEEK instructors teach using grade level standards and national gifted standards, using research-based curriculum that is written specifically for students who are gifted and/or talented. Please see additional information below. 
   

Students in grades 1-4 are screened using iReady universal screening data each spring. Students scoring in the top 10% will be tested for SEEK using the CogAT during April- May. Parents will be notified by email if their child qualifies to be tested. Parents have the right to refuse testing for the program.  Students that meet the requirements will receive SEEK services beginning in the fall.

The SEEK program aligns to the National Association for Gifted Children’s (NAGC) curriculum, instructional, and learning standards:
a.       High achieving and gifted/talented students will demonstrate growth commensurate with their abilities in cognitive, social-emotional, and psychosocial areas as a result of comprehensive programming and services.

b.       High achieving and gifted/talented students will demonstrate growth in personal competence and dispositions for exceptional academic and creative productivity. These include self-awareness, self-advocacy, self-efficacy, confidence, motivation, resilience, independence, curiosity, and risk taking.

c.       High achieving and gifted/talented students will develop knowledge and skills for living in and contributing to a diverse and global society.

d.       High achieving and gifted/talented students will become independent investigators.

e.       High achieving and gifted/ talented students will demonstrate understanding of and respect for similarities and differences between themselves and their cognitive and chronological peer groups and others in the general population.

f.        High achieving and gifted/talented students will demonstrate understanding of how they learn and recognize the influences of their identities, cultures, beliefs, traditions, and values on their learning and behavior.

g.       High achieving and gifted/talented students will demonstrate personal and social responsibility.

h.       High achieving and gifted/talented students will identify future career goals that match their interests and strengths. Students determine resources needed to meet those goals (e.g., supplemental educational opportunities, mentors, financial support).

Visit Wilson County Schools' Gifted Frameworks based on the National Association for Gifted Children standards.
 

Wilson County requires for the student's parent/guardian to obtain official documentation stating his/her student was enrolled in a gifted/talented program in his/her previous school and submit the documentation to the school office. Indicate for the information to be given to the SEEK teacher. Once the SEEK teacher has official documentation, transfer students may be enrolled in the SEEK program if they meet the district guidelines.

Do students receive a grade for SEEK? 

SEEK is not a graded class. If SEEK shows up on a progress report or report card, there will be no grade listed.

Are SEEK students tested each year? 

No. Once a student is placed in SEEK, he/she remains in SEEK through 5th grade.

WCS Gifted & Talented Student/Parent Handbook
National Association for Gifted Children

For more information about the SEEK program in an individual school, please contact the SEEK teacher for more information.

Carroll Oakland - Tara Mitchell - mitchellt@wcschools.com
Elzie Patton Elementary - Kris Davis - daviskw@wcschools.com 
Gladeville Elementary - April Walz - walza@wcschools.com
Lakeview Elementary - Lori Lamkin - lamkilor100@wcschools.com
Mt. Juliet Elementary - Kelli Hall - hallkb@wcschools.com
Rutland Elementary - Rachal Miller - millerra@wcschools.com
Stoner Creek Elementary - Cathey Roberts - robertsc@wcschools.com
Springdale Elementary - Lauren Costner - byruml@wcschools.com
Southside - Cathey Roberts - robertsc@wcschools.com
Tuckers Crossroads - Tara Mitchell - mitchellt@wcschools.com
W.A. Wright Elementary - Lori Lamkin - lamkilor100@wcschools.com
Watertown Elementary - Kris Davis - daviskw@wcschools.com
West Elementary - Kelly Maxwell - maxwekel100@wcschools.com