Designing Challenging Math Activities for the CCSS Elementary Classroom 

In mathematics, gifted students should have opportunities to explore topics in the regular curriculum at substantially greater depth and to engage in activities not ordinarily taught to all students. This session will explore guidelines and strategies for designing mathematics activities that exemplify characteristics of good curriculum for gifted learners. The presenters will share classroom-tested ideas and activities for providing highly able students with challenging enrichment activities in mathematics. Information about addressing the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and related assessments will also be included.

Jess McKowen Patti is currently a third- and fourth-grade teacher of gifted students at Zachary Elementary School in Louisiana, where she recently received the Zachary Community School District Teacher of the Year. Formerly, Jess taught second and fifth grade. She attended Southeastern Louisiana University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, grades first through fifth. Jess then returned to Southeastern Louisiana University, where she obtained her master’s degree in special education: gifted. 

Molly Bryan Talbot is currently a teacher of third- and fourth-grade gifted students at Zachary Elementary School in the Zachary Community School District in Louisiana. Molly attended Louisiana State University, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education, grades pre-K–5, through the LSU Holmes Program. She then returned to LSU to earn her education specialist degree in gifted education. Molly currently resides in Baton Rouge, LA, with her husband, David.