The COVID-19 crisis has already caused significant disruptions to education, and while many aspects of the 2020-2021 school year are still unknown, there could be significant consequences on student achievement. Duke TIP partnered with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) to help students continue to learn and challenge themselves while at home by creating Advanced Learning Labs (ALL). The Advanced Learning Labs were provided as weekly assignments to AIG students in North Carolina public schools, and are publically accessible on NCDPI’s website.
“This project has allowed Duke TIP staff to get creative and develop fun, rigorous activities for gifted students that can be done remotely,” said Elaine Atherton, TIP’s Director of Academics who coordinated TIP’s work on the project. “Duke TIP has always been committed to fostering unique advanced learning opportunities for gifted students. This collaboration with the NC Department of Public Instruction is just another way for us to extend our commitment to our mission and innovation.”
Different Advanced Learning Labs were designed for specific grade level clusters from Kindergarten through 12th grade, and each Learning Lab contains activities centered around Logic Puzzle(s), Field Studies, Research Explorations, Mindfulness (Social and Emotional Care), Literacy, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science. The Learning Labs also incorporate current events, creativity, critical thinking, and art. Each Learning Lab contains at least two activities that can be done without technology, meaning that students without internet access can still participate. And in keeping with the Duke TIP spirit, all activities were designed to be both challenging AND fun!
Duke TIP is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with NCDPI to provide advanced learning opportunities to students during this difficult time.