SAGE (4th-6th Gifted Program)

"The Important thing is to not stop questioning, curiosity has its own reasons for existing." Einstein

We, the SAGE Students of Copper Creek Elementary School, challenge ourselves to excel in learning by thinking differently, digging deeper and using our best effort to go beyond expectations as we stretch our brains in different directions.

Ms. Tracy Wagner

SAGE Teacher/Gifted Specialist

Email: tracy.wagner@dvusd.org

School #: 623-376-3959

Please use email to contact me.

The SAGE program at Copper Creek is a daily pull-out replacement model for the areas of Language Arts and Math (4-6) for gifted students in grades 4-6. In SAGE we combine both acceleration with enrichment of the curriculum, which allows students to think deeper as they explore the world around them. Creativity, risk taking, and thinking differently as students soar, achieve, and realize very little is impossible is the end goal of the program.

Since the math program is one grade level above, students entering the SAGE program in 4th grade or above in math should work the skills at grade level to be prepared for the new year.

Helpful Information

About Ms. Wagner

My name is Tracy Wagner. I am extremely excited to have the privilege of working with you and your child for this upcoming school year! I have a bachelor's degree in history from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from Arizona State University. In addition, I have my teaching certificate in elementary education, my gifted endorsement, and 18 years of experience as an educator. Although originally from Pennsylvania, I fell in love with the beauty of the desert and have made it my home. When I’m not teaching, I love reading and spending time with my family. I look forward to working with all of you to help our students learn and grow!

Schedules

Schedules:

Full day Fridays will follow the Tues/Thurs Schedule

Mon/Weds	Tue/Thurs	Early Release Friday
8:30-9:40-4th Math	8:30-9:40-4th Math	8:30-9:15 - 4th Math
9:40-10:45 - 5th Math	9:40-10:45 - 5th Math	9:15 - 10:00 - 5th Math
10:45-11:45 -6th Math	10:45-11:15 - 3rd RTI	10:20-11:20 - 6th Math
11:45 - 12:15 -Prep/Lunch	11:15-12:15- 6th Math	11:20 - 12:05 - 6th ELA
12:15-1:15-Lunch/Prep	12:15-1:15 -Prep/Lunch	12:05 - 12:45 4th/5th ELA
1:15 - 2:15 - 6th ELA	1:15 - 2:15 - 6th ELA
2:15-3:15 4th/5th ELA	2:15-3:15 4th/5th ELA

FAQ's

FAQ About SAGE

What is SAGE?

SAGE is the Deer Valley Unified School Districts program of Gifted and Talented students in grades 4-6. At Copper Creek students receive instruction in the area of math and reading daily. Below is a brief description of the Districts 4-6 program. If you are looking for information about middle school you can contact the appropriate school.

4-6 Math

Enriched with problem based learning units Accelerated at least 1 grade level higher

4-6 Language Arts

Differentiated through literature studies and units of study from the College of William and Mary. Processes include critical and creative thinking skills, discovery learning, open-ended problem solving, choice of learning activities, small group interaction, greater variety, evidence of reasoning daily.

Is there a lot of homework in the SAGE classes?

No, when students use their time wisely there is only about 15 minutes in math daily and probably about the same or less in language arts. Students have independent work time in school to get the work completed.

How does a students qualify for the program?

Students qualify by scoring in the 97 percentile on the Cognitive Abilities Test or another test accepted by the Arizona Department of Education for gifted identification. Deer Valley will accept students scoring 94th percentile may be placed provisionally. Deer Valley Schools provide testing using the Cognitive Abilities Test three time during the year. Students may be referred by teachers, parents, or themselves for testing. Please refer to the DVUSD Gifted Services Website to register for testing. Students may only test once per school year.

How can I prepare my child for the test?

You can't. Because this is a test of reasoning skills there is no way to prepare. Just make sure they are rested and relaxed.

If my child is in SAGE do they retest each year?

No. Once a student qualifies with the above criteria they do not retest.

SAGE Math

The SAGE math program is a content replacement for grades 4-6. The classes are accelerated one grade level above the curriculum and are designed to incorporate higher levels of thinking throughout the instruction. Understanding how things work is first before the step-by-step process. This grows mathematical thinker as opposed to great calculators. Students are expected to show work and parents can assist best by allowing students to make mistakes and by guiding them when evaluating their work.

4th Grade students will use I-Ready grade 5. For extra practice and filling in any gaps students will utilize my path during RTI along with Khan Academy.

5th and 6th Grade Students will use Illustrative Math. For extra practice on both the above level skills and grade level skills students will unitize Khan Academy.

Classwork counts as 20% (class activities, projects and exit tickets) of the final grade and quizzes and unit assessments for 80%.

Specifics for each grade level can be found in their Canvas page for SAGE Math.

SAGE ELA

This year all ELA students will have the opportunity to participate in a Wax Museum. All students will do a research report on a person who has made positive contributions to society from all walks of life. In the spring they will take that information and bring it to life at our Wax Museum. No two students may choose the same individual topic I am going to let 6th grade have first choice, then 5th and so on... The plan is to repeat this activity each year. Please do not try to get a head start, with the exception of possible topic choices.

The SAGE Language Arts program is designed not only to increase students' language skills, but also incorporate higher level thinking through writing and discussion. Students will use a variety of literature with resources from William and Mary Center for Gifted Education, whole group and small group instruction, and project-based learning as they explore the world around them and articulate their response to what they explore.

This year I will combine grades 4th and 5th. 6th grade will be a in class by themselves.

I will always make available and keep you informed of the major pieces of literature and the topics we explore.

Classwork 20% - This includes Reading Logs, Common Lit, No Read Ink (Writing), Class Discussions, and assignments that are not considered assessments.

Assessments 80% - This includes essays, short writing pieces, and formal assessment (tests). Assessments are coded in Canvas.

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