Academic Talent Search Programs
The Guidance Department of Summit Lakes Middle School assists in identifying academically talented students for two nationally recognized talent search programs.
Duke University
Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) has been in existence for over 30 years. The goal of the program is "to identify academically talented students and to provide model programs and services to support the development of their optimal educational potential." In the Lee's Summit School District, to qualify, a student must score at the 95th percentile or above on the Terra Nova section of the 5th grade MAP test. Once identified, students will be notified of their accomplishment, and will be provided with additional information to bring home and share with parents. Parents may then elect for their student to participate in Duke TIP. Parents and students may also learn more about Duke TIP and enroll online at http://www.tip.duke.edu.
The primary potential benefit of Duke TIP is the opportunity for seventh grade students to take a college entrance exam. The exams that may be completed are either the ACT or the SAT. These college entrance exams are typically taken by Juniors and Seniors in high school who are seeking admission to a four year university. This early testing experience may prove beneficial for students. While both tests are acceptable, the SLMS Guidance Department typically recommends that parents and students choose the ACT because of the variety of testing locations offered. Also, one testing location, Pleasant Lea Middle School in Lee's Summit, offers ACT testing to seventh grade students only. Parents may worry about the success their child will have taking a college entrance exam as a seventh grade student. This is important to consider. However, most of the students who choose to test will score most respectably.
Joseph Baldwin Academy
Joseph Baldwin Academy (JBA) sponsored by Truman State University located in Kirksville, Missouri. The mission of JBA is to "identify and challenge high-ability students at a critical period in their lives." To become a "distinguished nominee" a student must score at the 95th percentile or higher on the Terra Nova section of the MAP test administered in 6th grade. The student must also have an "Advanced" achievement level score that accompanies the Terra Nova score. Once identified, students will be informed of their accomplishment by our district. Thereafter, JBA will mail information to students and parents regarding their program. The best source of information regarding JBA is their web site at http://jba.truman.edu.
The primary purpose of JBA is to provide deserving students an opportunity to attend Truman State for classes and the other age appropriate experiences associated with college life. Students may attend either of two summer sessions offered. Each session is 3 weeks. Students are required to take the ACT or SAT as part of the admission process. There is a fee to attend, and books must also be purchased.