The district's World's Best Workforce document details the mission of High Potential Programming, and it details how students are identified for participation in the programming. While the programming officially starts in grade 3, there are programming options, too, for younger students, including early admission to kindergarten, acceleration, and participation in some reading pull out instruction in grade 2. There are also enrichment opportunities available.
"The mission of St. Michael-Albertville High Potential Programming is to challenge and meet the needs of academically talented students in grades 3-8 by enhancing the Math and Language Arts curriculum and providing learning opportunities beyond the general school program in these two subject areas. Students are assessed annually for placement in High Potential Programming services; therefore, participation in the program can vary from year to year based on students’ developmental needs. Data points are screened annually to identify students who may qualify for high potential programming. A committee of educators reviews MAP, FastBridge Assessments and MCA-III scores as well as classroom performance data and teacher recommendations in order to ensure the appropriate educational placement for each student. The identification process for levels of programming and its components are described in detail in the documents referenced above."
As stated in the district's World's Best Workforce document, "An effective avenue for allowing children with advanced skills reach their academic potential is to allow them to start school early. According to the Templeton National Report on Acceleration, A Nation Deceived, “Students who are carefully selected for early entrance to school generally perform very well, both academically and socially” (Belin & Blank Center, 2004).
The criteria and procedures for early admission to kindergarten are stated in Policy 550 Kindergarten Early Admission."
As stated in the district's World's Best Workforce document, "Acceleration can mean completion of the K-12 program in less than 13 years as well as earlier introduction and use of curriculum content and materials."
Acceleration and enrichment at the elementary level includes: early school entrance, grade-skipping, single-subject acceleration, and curriculum compacting (elementary and middle school math).
Students with high potential in grades 3 and 4 receive pull out instruction in reading and/or math.
If you're looking for district-related enrichment resources, check out the page linked above.
For additional state and national enrichment opportunities, head to our Get Involved, Get Connected page.
Reach out to the people below if you'd like more information about anything related to primary/elementary high potential programming.
Building level: Administrators, Challenge teachers, classroom teachers, and/or counselors/social workers
District level: Director of Teaching and Learning (and current High Potential Coordinator), Director of Curriculum and Student Programming (and High Potential Coordinator starting July 2020), Testing and Assessment Coordinator, District Advisory Committee, School Board, and/or Superintendent
State level: Minnesota Department of Education