2nd Grade

The Explorers Program

The AIG teacher and all second grade teachers work together to provide in-class experiences in language arts and mathematics. Initially, all second grade students participate in whole class experiences. As the year progresses, students who demonstrate potential in these in-class experiences will participate in advanced and enriched learning opportunities in small groups. Student groups are flexible! This allows students with varying strengths and gifts to benefit from higher level instruction with a gifted specialist. This also allows the AIG teacher to cultivate work samples demonstrating higher-order thinking and problem solving skills that can be used as part of a student's portfolio to support the need for AIG identification. 

Participation in Explorers does not guarantee identification in the WCPSS AIG Program.

2025-2026Process

Quarters 1 & 2 - All students participate in the Explorers program in whole class and/or small group instruction.

January/February 2026 - All second grade students take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT).

March 2026 - Students who score at the 85th percentile on a subtest or composite of the CogAT take the Iowa Assessments.

April/May - AIG Nomination/Referral/Identification Process. Parents receive test scores and permission slips for students who qualify. 

Quarter 1 of Third Grade - Service begins for identified students. Students receive services in ELA and/or Mathematics.

Here is a video recording from the recent CogAt Parent Meeting:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rVHHeR1vUrysDDl9gcFjcIx71V9pvZRI/view?usp=sharing 

Explorers Topics