Middle School

For ELP Reading:

90th percentile or higher on ISASP Reading AND FastBridge Reading

For Accelerated Math:

80% or higher on all Benchmark Assessments in 5th grade math

 AND 80% or higher on end-of-year test, in addition to 5th grade math teacher nomination based on effort and developmental readiness.

For Accelerated Science:

Students who have at least 6 of the following 11 points will be considered for 8th grade accelerated science class:

• 3 points for proficiency in 7th grade science class (all 3s and 4s for end-of-year overall standard scores, which equates to an A in the class overall) 

• Up to 3 points for science practice ACT score (offered to all 7th graders in the spring)

  • Score of 30 or higher: 3 points

  • Score of 25-29: 2 points

  • Score of 20-24: 1 point

• Up to 3 points for previous standardized test scores

  • 1 point if 5th grade ISASP science score above the 90th percentile (The science test is taken in grades 5, 8, and 10)

  • 1 point if 6th grade ISASP scores were above the 90th percentile in math or English/language arts

  • 1 point if 7th grade FastBridge scores are above the 90th percentile in math or reading 

  • 1 point if I-Excel science score from 6th grade was above 60 (This is an assessment that any 6th grade students who have scored at the 95th percentile or higher for any ISASP subject or the most current aReading test on file are invited to take with Mrs. Maddock.)

• 1 point if taking Algebra in 8th grade (advanced math work connected to Chemistry)

• 1 point for teacher or parent recommendation (for any students with 5 of the previous points, based on being able to handle an accelerated pace and rigorous content and who are close to proficiency in 7th grade science class)

Note: This 8th grade pathway is one way to advance in science, but there are other options during high school as well. The high school counselors can help any student design the best program for their needs, talents, and goals.

For Consideration for IOAPA online Coursework through the Belin-Blank Program 

(for high school credit):

60th percentile or greater on iExcel test in winter of 6th grade year. (This is an optional test--must sign up and be recommended, based on classroom achievement, above-level performance, or test scores)

College For Kids:

College for Kids is an academic summer program for gifted students in grades 6-8 sponsored by Grant Wood AEA and held at Coe College in Cedar Rapids. Students are nominated to participate based on ISASP test scores in the advanced category. Nominations happen in Winter, and registration begins in Spring. 

ELP Reading:

This class takes the place of the grade-level reading class and compacts the instruction of the reading curriculum and standards mastery while blending in enrichment in other areas that enhance the learner's reading extension. 

Accelerated Math:

This class series compacts three years of math into two years, so that a 6th grade student takes 6th grade math and half of 7th grade math in their 6th grade year, followed by the other half of 7th grade math and all of 8th grade math in theri 7th grade year. As an 8th grade student they are then eligible for Algebra 1. Students receive a letter grade for Algebra 1, which goes onto their high school transcript and remains there unless they retake Alebra 1 in high school.

Accelerated Science:

This course compacts all of 8th grade science and one semester of Chemistry into the student's 8th grade year. This allows for a student to take higher-level science courses in high school, including college-level coursework, if desired. Students receive a letter grade for Chem 1, which goes onto their high school transcript and remains there unless they retake Chem 1 in high school. 

IOAPA Courses:

This program is the Iowa Online Advanced Placement Academy, sponsored by the Belin-Blank Center at the University of Iowa. Students who enroll in a high-school level online class through IOAPA have a 10th hour class time reserved for a quiet study session to work on this course. This takes the place of a specials class. Available classes include, but are not limited to: Creative Writing, U..S. History, Psychology, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geometry, Probability and Statistics, and Spanish. This programming is only available to 7th and 8th grade students who have taken the iExcel test in 6th grade. 

Mustang Minutes Enrichment Groups:

Mrs. Maddock teaches enrichment groups for 8th grade students throughout the year. Participation is by invitation and on a rotating basis. Students are often recommended by teachers for certain subject units or are invited because of prior participation in other above-level programming. 

Academic Quiz Bowl Team:

Students are invited to participate in the regional and National Quiz Bowl competitions based on prior participation in an ELP class or enrichment group. Participation is optional. Quiz Bowls take place in November and April each year. 

Scripps School Spelling Bee:

Students participate for the Spelling Bee by taking a qualifying exam that places them among the top five spellers for their grade. The Spelling Bee is held in January and the winner is invited to compete in the regional Bee in the Quad Cities 

for a chance to go to Nationals in Washington, D.C.