Tessera is a one day per week program at
Libby Center for highly capable students in grades 3 -
6 who  represent
the top 3% of their norm group. Students are selected
on the basis of academic, intellectual, and creative ability.
Information from parents and teachers combined with objective
test data determines eligibility. All students who
meet the set criteria are accepted into the program.
Participation is completely voluntary.
Philosophy: It is the philosophy of the
Tessera Program to provide a differentiated curriculum
and learning environment which allows identified gifted
students to develop their specific intellectual abilities.
The curriculum for intellectually gifted students is
based on each student's individual cognitive and affective
strengths, interests, and needs. The goals of
the Tessera Program are to promote intellectual development
and to encourage students to work toward reaching their
highest potentials.
Background: Tessera is a Greek word meaning "four."
This refers to the four schools where the pilot program
was initiated in 1975: Adams, Franklin,
Hamblen, and Hutton. Tessera now serves children
from all elementary schools in our community.
Organization: Approximately 400 third through
sixth grade students representing all of Spokane's elementary
schools come to Tessera one day a week.
These students are served by four teachers, each with
training in gifted education.
Student Selection Criteria: Students are selected
for this program based upon the following:
- Nominations and information provided by parents,
teachers, administrators, counselors, etc., based
on observation, professional judgment, and achievement
test scores when available
- Group or individual ability test scores.
Transportation: The district provides bus transportation
for all public school elementary Tessera students.
On the day the student goes to Tessera, he/she:
- Checks in with his/her teacher at the home school
(attendance).
- Brings daily lunch money, a cold lunch, or has sent
lunch money to Libby Center for the student's
Libby lunch account.
- Waits for the bus at an appropriate place as determined
by the building principal.
- Is picked up between 9:00 and 9:15 a.m.
- Arrives at Libby Center by approximately 9:30 a.m.
- Leaves Libby Center at 2:00 p.m.
- Arrives at the home school by approximately 2:30
p.m.
- Checks in with the homeroom teacher.
Click here for Curriculum
Areas addressed in the Tessera Program.
Click here for the Tessera
Selection Process.
For further information, you are welcome to call Libby
Center (509) 354-7500. |
