Summit on School Climate and Culture - 4th Annual

How can a district use cross-age peer mentoring to support students from historically underserved populations in gifted and talented? Participants in this session will hear how one Des Moines Public High School piloted a course for credit in collaboration with one of their feeder pattern elementary schools. Hear firsthand from a few of the high school students involved. 
The purpose of the GT Leadership and Mentoring course is to provide leadership opportunities for the GT high school students.  The idea is that by being mentors/role models the GT students help their mentees to foster a positive attitude and enthusiasm for high level academic pursuits as well as increasing their confidence and self-efficacy. The positive outcome for the mentors is to develop confidence and leadership skills, foster empathy and patience for others, cultivate cultural capital, and expand the connection to their community. 
The course was created to connect to both NAGC programming standards and to the Iowa Core, using available staff and resources.