Every kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade classes has INVESTIGATIONS in STEM TIME with a certified Advanced Academics teacher once a week in which they explore, navigate, and think about the world around us!
All DPS students in K-2 will receive direct services from an AIG Specialist in response to the district’s focus on fostering academic talent in all demographic and socioeconomic student groups. AIG Specialists provide a whole group and focused small group instruction with integrated lessons built around critical thinking, collaboration, creative thinking, and problem solving within the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). Lessons are aligned to the grade level’s Standard Course of Study and are taught collaboratively with the classroom teacher.*
*From AIG Specialist's Handbook, 2022
Elementary: Grades K-2 Investigations in STEM
Service Delivery:
All DPS students in K-2 will receive direct services from an AIG Specialist in response to the district’s focus on fostering academic talent in all demographic and socioeconomic student groups. AIG Specialists provide a whole group and focused small group instruction with integrated lessons built around critical thinking, collaboration, creative thinking, and problem solving within the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). Lessons are aligned to the grade level’s Standard Course of Study and are taught collaboratively with the classroom teacher. Investigations in STEM aligns with the 2018-2023 DPS Strategic Plan with an emphasis on equity as outlined in Priority 1: Increase Academic Achievement, Goal 1A: By 2023, at least 90 percent of all DPS will meet or exceed standards for year-to-year academic growth as measured by the state model.
Service Delivery - Advanced Learners, K-2
K-2 students who show a need for advanced instruction outside of the general education classroom will
receive a minimum of 270 minutes per quarter in reading and math by an AIG Specialist or an AIG licensed
teacher.* Multiple data points are used to determine small groups. To ensure consistency throughout the
district, an outline of data points will be provided each year to the school. Advanced Learner K-2 services are
in addition to the small group Investigations in STEM services.
*Ignite Virtual Academy will develop minimum times based on the school’s synchronous/asynchronous
instructional framework.
If there is a need for service beyond the focused small group instruction, a student may be identified in the
AIG program and services outlined in the DEP/IDEP. Services could include the following depending upon the individualized needs of the student:
Single subject acceleration
Multi-age academic focus group
Consultation
Provided support to the regular education or specialist (EC/ESL) to differentiate curriculum/instruction
for the student
