The Rockwood Gifted Program Teaching/Learning Model describes the overall instructional focus of the gifted program. The model is best interpreted as follows. Within the context of real world challenges (outermost area), the program targets five major performance skills (innermost area) – Information Processing, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Communication and Responsibility. In order to teach those skills, the program offers advanced, integrated curriculum that encourages creative thinking and incorporates technology and differentiation (first circle surrounding innermost area). Implementing the curriculum effectively requires setting up a supportive physical and emotional environment (second circle surrounding innermost area). That environment is designed to nurture individuality, promote self-confidence, and enhance student capacity to learn from and impact the world around them.