Redfield Elementary describes all-day Comprehensive Gifted Program and multi-age learning

Amanda Rand, principal of Redfield Elementary School, described the school’s Comprehensive Gifted Program (CGP) as an all-day instructional track that groups fourth- and fifth-grade students together for project-based learning and accelerated opportunities.

"They have the opportunity to have project based learning, a little bit more flexibility in the opportunities for them to accelerate, deep, deep discussions," Rand said on SUSD Spotlight. She described the CGP as a multi-age classroom where students work at different paces and may engage in material above grade level.

A student participant, Mathias, said the CGP allows students to "work at your own pace" and to be placed in groups based on readiness, giving examples such as doing sixth-grade math while other peers work at fifth-grade content. Rand said the program fosters enrichment and more in-depth discussion than a typical classroom schedule.

Rand also noted that the school pairs CGP and other leadership opportunities — including student council, ambassadors and the PALS program with the Scottsdale Police Department — to build students’ leadership skills before middle school. She described PALS as a program where Scottsdale police staff teach leadership to older students, who in turn teach games to younger students during recess.

Mathias, who is in the CGP, also credited teachers and specialist staff for creating a supportive environment and said the program encourages independence and collaboration.

Rand said Redfield maintains a relatively stable teaching staff and strong community ties that help sustain programs such as CGP and student leadership initiatives.