Talent Development

Academically talented children are those students with outstanding abilities and capable of higher performance when compared to others of similar age, experience and environment. They have significantly different educational needs from their peers and require educational differentiation as a regular part of their school day to ensure they reach their full potential.

These services are available at all elementary and middle schools.

Talent Development contacts by school/location.

Parent Resources

Twice Exceptional (2e) Resources

Gifted and Talented Advisory Council (GTAC)

Service Model

Flexible and Fluid Service Model:

Talent Development services in District 196 is an inclusive, flexible and fluid model. Talent Development services are provided through flexible grouping based on district assessments and ongoing assessments in the classroom which are based on the content and standards being presented at that time.

Click below for more information:

Identification

Acceleration

District 196 recognizes that students with superior abilities may have their needs best served by grade acceleration or single subject acceleration. Grade acceleration or single subject acceleration will be recommended only after other appropriate program changes or modifications have been deemed inadequate to meet the academic and emotional needs of the student in the student's current grade placement. This determination will be made by an assessment team.

For more information- District 196 Acceleration Information

Grade Acceleration (grade skipping)

Single Subject Acceleration

Early Entrance to Kindergarten

FAQs

Q: How are advanced learning needs supported if students are not labeled?
A: Our district has adopted a strengths-based approach to Talent Development. This means we look at a broad range of abilities and potential across all students—not just those with a formal label—and provide services when students demonstrate readiness for enrichment or acceleration.

Q: How are my child’s needs assessed?
A: Student needs are assessed throughout the year using multiple data points, including:

FastBridge screening (literacy and math, 3x/year for K–5)
iReady math diagnostics (3x/year for K–5)
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT, grade 4)
Teacher input and classroom performance

Q: What role does the classroom teacher play?
A: Classroom teachers provide differentiated CORE instruction. They use assessment data to adjust instruction and challenge students appropriately within the regular classroom setting.

Q: What is the role of the Talent Development (TD) teacher?
A: The TD teacher is a secondary support, partnering with classroom teachers to:

Support with the interpretation and use of student data
Plan and support enrichment and extension opportunities
Provide direct instruction during WIN time or in targeted groups

Q: What if my child’s needs change over time?
A: That’s expected! Services are flexible and responsive, based on current needs rather than permanent labels. Students may enter or exit support as their strengths and learning profiles evolve.

Q: What is the process used to determine placement in the fifth grade accelerated math pathway?
A: Placement in the fifth grade accelerated math pathway is a data-driven decision based on multiple measures to ensure appropriate placement.

The following data sources are reviewed:

FastBridge: Assesses foundational math skills and readiness for acceleration.
i-Ready Diagnostic: Provides insight into current performance levels and readiness for advanced content.
MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments): Offers a standardized benchmark and helps validate other data points.

This multi-measure approach provides a comprehensive view of student performance, promotes equitable access, and ensures placement aligns with demonstrated strengths.

Q: Who can I contact with questions?
A: Please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher if you have questions about how your child is being supported.

TD at Falcon Ridge

Lindi Shannon Warner

Talent Development Teacher

School: 651-683-6969 x85367

RESOURCES

Enrichment Opportunities and Information

Talent Development opportunities will be added as they are offered. Information will also be shared via the Falcon Ridge Middle School daily school announcements and weekly parent emails. (Be sure to sign up!)

Contests and Competitions

Spelling Bee - FRMS is holding a schoolwide spelling bee! All FRMS students will have the opportunity to participate. More information will be shared in English classes this spring. See Ms. Biggs for more information.

FRMS Chess Team - Open to any FRMS student that wants to play (or learn how to play) chess. Students meet every Tuesday and Thursday after school beginning in January through the end of March. There will be approximately 5 meets scheduled for after school against other district middle schools. Questions? Mr. Rotvold has the answers. https://frms.district196.org/activities/chess-team

Scholastic Scrimmage - Competitions will be held once per month after school at SHMS on Wednesdays. There is also a WIN option for practice and fun Falcon-only scrimmages. If students are looking for extra practice, try the site www.triviaplaza.com or https://www.greatauk.com/freequestions.html. Questions? See Mrs. Warner in room 254.

FRMS GeoBee - Although National Geographic has discontinued the national Geography Bee, we have an FRMS-specific club and competition! Sign up for the Geography Games WIN and participate in the springtime schoolwide GeoBee! Contact Ms. LZ for more information.

Reading, Writing & Speaking

Battle of the Books - Meetings and fun activities will be communicated via school announcements and the Battle of the Books Schoology group. This activity is open to all grades! Questions? See Mrs. Howe in the library. Happy Reading! Check here for more information!

Speech Team - All students are welcome to participate. Students work with coaches to select a speech category, practice at home, and meet with a coach once a week after school. Be sure to watch for more information in the announcements! Questions? See Mr. Skaar (choir room) or Mrs. Last. https://frms.district196.org/activities/declamspeech

Young Authors Conference - The deadline for this year has passed, but be sure to look out for this opportunity next year!

Leadership

WEB - 8th graders have the opportunity to be leaders for our incoming 6th graders. Applications are filled out in April of their 7th grade year. This is a great way to be involved at FRMS! https://frms.district196.org/families/web See Ms. Kopp or Mr. Olayiwola for more information.

Student Ambassadors - The Welcoming Ambassadors Group is responsible for helping new students learn how to navigate Falcon Ridge Middle School. They assist with introducing new students to peers, helping with lockers, guiding students to classes, and answering any questions they may have. By following the Falcon Way, (being responsible, respectful, and safe), our Welcoming Ambassadors provide a welcoming environment for our new students. See your school counselor for more information.

STEM Opportunities

Math Counts - Math League encourages students to participate in math contests, enabling students to meet other mathletes from other schools, and provides recognition for students excelling in mathematics. The contests are provided by the Minnesota Junior High School Math League and are taken by students throughout the metro area. The majority of the topics are embedded in Algebra I standards and some Geometry. https://frms.district196.org/activities/math-club

UMTYMP - University of Minnesota Talented Youth Math Program is targeted at talented math students who are highly motivated and consistently score at or above the 95th percentile in standardized math tests. Students are accepted into the program based on the results of a qualifying exam. UMTYMP also offers Saturday enrichment classes. Please copy and paste the link below for more information. http://mathcep.umn.edu/

Arts and Culture

Drama - Students from any grade with or without theater experience are encouraged to join the fall play or spring musical! There are opportunities for onstage performance and backstage tech crew work. Students work on a show from start to finish and get to show off the final result to the school and the community. Contact Ms. LZ or Ms. Berdahl for more information.

GSA - The Gender & Sexuality Alliance is a great way to build community with other students, talk about current events and issues, and learn about new arts, literature, and culture. GSA meets on Tuesdays during WIN. Contact Ms. Biggs for more information.

Art Club - Art Club is a community of FRMS students and staff who love art! Our purpose is to inspire, share, and learn from one another. Art club will take place virtually on Schoology and you can participate whenever you have time! You can decide how often you participate. Posting artwork is not a requirement. As of this time, we don't have any meetings scheduled. https://frms.district196.org/activities/art-club

Band - Students in the Falcon Ridge Band Program have the opportunity to participate in many honor band experiences. Some honor bands require students to complete an audition to be selected, and for others students are nominated by their band directors. Honor Band opportunities include:

-District 196 Middle Level Honor Band

-MN Band Directors Association Honor Bands (various):

-State Honor Bands (Concert Band AND Jazz Band)

-South Central Region Honor Bands (Concert and Jazz)

-Beginning and 2nd Year Honor Bands

-MN Youth Jazz Band

-MN Junior Winds

-American School Band Directors Association Chamber Ensemble Day