The Loudoun County SEARCH program, offered to all K-3 students, focuses on thinking skills and is designed to foster a classroom environment that encourages students to develop an excitement for learning and discovery. SEARCH teachers work within the classroom to stimulate curiosity, practice problem solving strategies, incorporate cooperative learning activities, provide opportunities for students to use higher level thinking skills, and to identify students with exceptional ability. During the lessons the primary classroom teacher makes observations to gain insight into the students’ various skills, strengths, and learning styles. Both teachers work cooperatively to recognize and develop the potential for excellence in each student. The SEARCH teacher is available to assist in the development of lesson plans and activities that promote higher level thinking, model or provide tips for differentiating instruction, work with small groups of students, and to offer enrichment to students who have been formally identified for gifted services. The Loudoun County SEARCH lessons are organized under the learning keys listed below and are aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning.

MAIN TOPICS (The Thinking Keys):  Connecting, Reasoning, Creating, Perceiving, Evaluating

These lessons fulfill the goals of the LCPS Gifted Education Department which are:

1. To become divergent, creative thinkers who recognize problems and solve them.

2. To construct personal meaning and understanding of others and the world around them.

3.  To develop the capacity for self assessment (ownership of learning)>