FAQ

How does the program work?

Please view the parent/student orientation PowerPoint.

Once I am in the HAL Program in 6th grade, will I continue to be in the program for the rest of my middle school years?

Yes, if you qualified through the SAGES or CogAT tests and you maintain good classroom standing, then you will remain in the program throughout your middle school years.

Is middle school HAL like elementary HAL?

No, HAL at the middle level is different than you were used to in your elementary school. You will not be “pulled out” of the classroom on a regular basis for special HAL reading or math lessons. A lot of your HAL challenges will take place in the classroom. Your teachers have learned how to differentiate their lessons for different students’ abilities. They probably won’t make a big deal out of doing so, and you might not even notice they are doing it. Middle school students usually do not want to appear “different” and prefer to stay in class with the rest of the students. There are some “out of the classroom” opportunities.

How do I get invited to a Seminar or HAL event?

A student must complete the HAL Interest Survey to be invited to seminars and events. The middle-level HAL program features District seminars at each grade level. The seminars are planned and coordinated by the HAL Facilitators from the Millard middle schools. Seminars take place at various locations and attendance is limited. Shortly before the date of a seminar, I will send an invite/permission form and a parent email to students who have indicated a high interest in that seminar. If there are more applicants than space allows, I will do a drawing to see who will attend. In the interest of equity, I will keep track of attendance. Students participating in the seminar will receive a reminder about attending the seminar, and parents will be emailed the reminder too.

How is math differentiated for HAL students?

Students take the Orleans-Hanna math placement test. According to how you did on that test, you have been placed in an appropriate math class with others of your same ability. This allows all students to perform at their best, while being challenged in math at the same time. Math is the only subject in which all students are grouped by ability. The 6th grade IM3 Pre-Algebra math class is for students whose math ability is 2 years ahead of grade level.

*Students enrolled in an advanced math class do not automatically qualify for participation in the HAL program.

How will I be chosen to participate in an alternative unit of study?

You will need to show your teacher you know the skills and concepts currently being presented in class before the teacher will put you in an alternative activity. He or she may give you a pretest or other assessment to see what you already know. The goal of this alternative activity is to enrich and expand your knowledge and to give you a more interesting and challenging opportunity. In other words, to provide different work, not more work than your peers are doing.

What about HAL work in Language Arts, Social Studies and Science?

HAL units have been written for language arts to provide students with challenging work in reading, spelling, and vocabulary development.Classroom teachers may take care of presenting these lessons or the HAL facilitator may work with groups of students on special literature, science, or social studies units.