Dimensions

The Clarkstown Central School District offers an enriched Humanities and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) program to selected students in 4th and 5th grades. This program is known as Dimensions and is delivered during a dedicated block of time, in which students are provided with the opportunity to develop 21st century skills through the lens of inquiry to promote initiative, perseverance, and leadership. An invitation to participate in the Dimensions program is extended to those students who meet specific entry requirements.

The Dimensions program is challenging and meaningful to our students. The student-centered program supports a learning environment that encourages students to reach their highest potential. The goal of the program is to allow students to engage their creativity, strengths, and abilities to the greatest extent possible. We focus on promoting higher-level thinking and developing students who are well-rounded, 21st century learners. The units of study are project-based and thematic, and they allow for creativity, discovery, open - endedness and freedom of choice. The students must use complex skills, such as problem-solving, collaboration/teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. Students use current technology to conduct research and complete tasks. The program uses a wide range of instructional strategies, supporting resources, and grouping options throughout the year.

The program allows for the identification of unique patterns of strengths, abilities, and interests, which are used to further focus instruction and build on existing talents in the discipline of STEM and the humanities. This focus on individualized learning is integrated into the first unit for each grade and identified strengths are then used to guide further instruction.

All students are administered the STAR Reading and STAR Mathematics assessment and the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). In qualifying for the Dimensions Program, a student must meet two or more of the criteria to participate in the Humanities and/or STEM enrichment.