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.