U-STARS

= U-STARS = USTARS is a school site based program supporting teachers in the early recognition and nurturing of gifted potential in children from economically disadvantaged and/or culturally diverse families in order to improve their academic achievement and to provide them with access to advanced educational opportunities. We believe this effort will assist in closing the achievement gap. USTARS Brochure
 * Using Science Talents and Abilities to Recognize Students **

What It Means to be a USTARS Colorado School

• High-end Learning Opportunities Support in the implementation of challenging science and literature based curriculum, higher order thinking skills, and formative assessment.

• Teachers' Sytematic Observations Training and on-going use of the TOPS (Teacher's Observation of Potential in Students) form to assist in recognizing gifted behaviors in children including those in underserved populations.

• Hands-on/Inquiry-based Science Demonstration and professional development around hands-on, minds-on science and integration strategies to promote critical thinking, problem solving, and language development.

• Family Involvement Strategies and Family Packets created in English and Spanish to bring the excitement of learning science home to ALL families.

• Professional Development - Trainer of Trainers On-going support from a CDE Trainer to focus on the needs of each individual site and to facilitate an open dialogue focusing on how to reach and serve under-represented populations.

=USTARS PRELIMINARY RESEARCH FROM UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA= Evidence Base for USTARS-PLUS Emerging Findings from USTARS - PLUS Science and Literature Connections