Welcome Letter
Dear Parents and Guardians of Eagle County School District Gifted Students,
My name is Marjorie Oyler, and I am the Director of Gifted Education for Eagle County School District. Though this is my second year in this position, I have over a decade of experience with Eagle County School District, including roles as a middle school science teacher, exploratory teacher, secondary gifted specialist, and gifted instructional coach. I am originally from the Chicago suburbs and spent time as a marine biologist in Alaska before moving into Education.
As I reflect on my first year as director, I am satisfied with the changes we made to our programming and proud of our team for achieving our departmental goals! This school year, we will continue our focus on expanding opportunities that challenge and engage our students in new and meaningful ways through the district initiatives of wellness, belonging, and engagement, and MTSS (multi-tiered systems of support).
Tier 1 (universal differentiated instruction):
Support for Teachers: We recognize that teachers are experts in their subject areas, and tier 1 and 2 differentiation should be happening in the classroom where teachers know their students best. GT specialists will support core teachers in the following areas:
Support for Teachers: We recognize that teachers are experts in their subject areas, and tier 1 and 2 differentiation should be happening in the classroom where teachers know their students best. GT specialists will support core teachers in the following areas:
Co-Planning Support: GT Specialists are available to assist with advanced lesson planning and guiding students to articulate and advocate for their learning needs.
Depth and Complexity: Last year, the GT team was trained in Depth and Complexity; this year, we are supporting a cohort of teachers as they pilot the program in general education classrooms. By providing curriculum support using Depth and Complexity, GT specialists and teachers support students in going deeper into their understanding.
Tier 2 (targeted):
The GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) program recognizes the unique social-emotional needs of gifted students, providing tailored support to nurture their emotional intelligence and well-being. Through targeted interventions and personalized counseling, GATE aims to foster resilience, self-awareness, and positive peer
relationships among gifted learners. By creating a supportive environment that acknowledges their emotional complexities, GATE empowers students to thrive academically and socially, preparing them for future success in all aspects of life.
GATE Program Objectives:
● Creation of students’ ALP (advanced learning plan) or ICAP (Individual Career and Academic Plan)
● Social-emotional lessons specific to GT students’ needs
● Monitoring of students’ individual social-emotional goals (Affective)
● Social-emotional lessons specific to GT students’ needs
● Monitoring of students’ individual social-emotional goals (Affective)
Tier 3 (intensive):
Tier 3 is designed for students who have significant needs in academic, behavioral, or social-emotional areas. These students typically represent a small percentage of the gifted population (less than 5%). These meetings will be mostly one-on-one with the GT specialist at your child’s school.
Tier 3 is designed for students who have significant needs in academic, behavioral, or social-emotional areas. These students typically represent a small percentage of the gifted population (less than 5%). These meetings will be mostly one-on-one with the GT specialist at your child’s school.
Elementary Specific Tier 2:
The SEED program (Skill and Exploratory, Educational, Development) is designed to support 3rd-5th identified gifted students, as well as those in talent pool and exploratory pool categories. Being a part of SEED programming does not ensure gifted identification. Please know that there will be times when students’ needs are best met in the classroom; therefore, these groups will be flexible throughout the year with different
students moving in and out of the units.
SEED Program Objectives:
● Critical Thinking: Encouraging analytical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning.
● Creativity: Promoting innovative thinking and imaginative expression.
● Academic Skill Development: Supporting students with advanced academic skills through Depth and Complexity.
● Creativity: Promoting innovative thinking and imaginative expression.
● Academic Skill Development: Supporting students with advanced academic skills through Depth and Complexity.
Secondary Specific Tier 2:
Middle School Exploratory class is a competition-based workspace model class, in which the teacher is a facilitator and advisor. Students learn to utilize Essential Skills such as communication, problem solving, collaboration, and independence. Students will explore various topics based on their grade level, and participate in academic competitions. This year, students will compete at the district level, with two schools being selected to move on to the regional level for each travel competition. According to the Davidson Institute,
“Academic competitions play an important part in learning for highly gifted students. They are designed to inspire and enlighten, and can create enthusiasm and entice students to try their hardest, helping to maximize their abilities”.
Middle School Exploratory class is a competition-based workspace model class, in which the teacher is a facilitator and advisor. Students learn to utilize Essential Skills such as communication, problem solving, collaboration, and independence. Students will explore various topics based on their grade level, and participate in academic competitions. This year, students will compete at the district level, with two schools being selected to move on to the regional level for each travel competition. According to the Davidson Institute,
“Academic competitions play an important part in learning for highly gifted students. They are designed to inspire and enlighten, and can create enthusiasm and entice students to try their hardest, helping to maximize their abilities”.
High School one-on-one meetings. GT services at the high school are different from the services provided by elementary and middle schools. Students can self-select advanced tracks for their academic programs. GT Specialists meet with students in one-on-one or small group settings based on the students' needs.
As the new school year unfolds, I am committed to being present in our schools, supporting our specialists, and continuing to get to know ECSD students and families. For any school-based questions, please reach out directly to your child’s GT specialist. For broader program-related inquiries, feel free to contact me directly.
I look forward to working together to provide the best possible education for our gifted students.
Warm regards,
Marjorie Oyler, M.Ed
Director of Gifted Education
Director of Gifted Education
