Scholars

1. Scholars INFORMATIONAL MEETING NOVEMBER 11, 2010

2. Purpose and Non-Purpose Purpose of tonight’s session Provide background information Share the Scholars “experience” Clarify the selection process Help families have an informed discussion Non-Purpose Answer every question Provide “too much” information Create a sense of urgency

3. History of Scholars • Began with a small group of students located at CHS • Numbers and interest have grown with each year • Currently, we can serve up to130 students in the program • Last year, applications exceeded the number of students placed

4. Vision and Mission • The mission of Scholars is to provide highly gifted middle school students with appropriate academic opportunities and a cohort of intellectual peers. • Scholars will support the transition of each student from a heavily supported learning environment to a more independent and academically rigorous one, through the use of specially designed courses and resources unique to a high school setting.

5. Course Descriptions: Scholars • Communication Arts – grades 6 and 7 • Pre-Algebra / Algebra – grade 6 • Middle School Science-grade 6 • Social Studies – grade 6 and 7 • Humanities – grade 8 • Philosophy – grade 8

6. Curriculum Scope and Sequence • 6th grade – 4 Scholars classes and 1 HS class • 7th grade – 2 Scholars classes, Learning Lab, Seminar and 4 HS classes • 8th grade – 2 Scholars classes, Learning Lab and 5 HS classes

7. Scope & Sequence of High School Classes • 6th grade students are required to enroll in Art Foundations, Scholars Band, Orchestra or Choir • 7th and 8th grade choose additional classes from the high school selection of studies • 7th grade students enroll in Earth Science Honors, an appropriate math class, possibly foreign language or other electives • 8th grade students enroll in a Intergrated Science Honors, a math class and are encouraged to take a foreign language along with other electives

8. High School Electives • Scholars Debate • Computers/Media • Drama • History/Social Studies • Art/Graphic Design • Culinary arts • Foreign Language • Music

9. PE • Physical education class is designed to combine physical activity with unique approaches to a healthy lifestyle appropriate for gifted students.

10. Affective Resources • The Scholars curriculum features many of the same affective components as the middle school WINGS program.

11. Assessment • Scholars students take the MAP test in 6th, 7th and 8th grade. • Students completing algebra will take the end of year state exam • 8th grade students take the Explore test • Many 7th grade students take the ACT/SAT as part of the Duke TIP

12. Grading • Students receive grades in both Scholars and high school classes. • Criteria for grades are provided at the beginning of each class.

13. GPA • High school courses taken by Scholars students will be included in their high school GPA. Classes that are weighted will count toward their freshman multiplier. At the end of their freshman year, these classes will help determine class rank and GPA.

14. Transcript Notation • Students in this program take high school and Scholars classes. A letter explaining Scholars is included with transcripts sent out of district or on to colleges.

15. Study / Organizational Skills • Students must possess strong study and organizational skills to be successful. • There will be homework. • Scholars students are treated as high school students in their high school classes, and will be evaluated using the same standards as used for the high school students.

16. Extra-Curricular Activities • While many programs at Central are open to Scholars students, the competitive athletic, debate, music, Kilties, cheerleading and dance teams are restricted to high school student only. • Students do participate in some of the extra-curricular activities at Central. • The middle school athletic program is available to Scholars students.

17. Transportation • Scholars students have been eligible for bus transportation in past years. However, district budget reductions cannot be dismissed as having an impact in the future.

18. FAQ • How do Scholars students interact with high school students? • Who do I call with a question? • What about lunch? • What about report cards?

19. IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS • Scholars is not WINGS in a different location • Scholars is not a “regular” middle school experience • Scholars is not a pre-requisite for the IB Program • GPA has ramifications that must be understood and considered • Expectations are very high – strong academic self-determination is critical for success • The student’s (and family’s) ability to handle “stress” related to high expectations must be openly and honestly considered

20. SELECTION CRITERIA • Application for consideration • IQ score (WISC IV) • SCAT score (verbal/quantitative subtests) • SAGES Reasoning subtest • Classroom/Gifted teacher(s) recommendations Each applicant will attain a composite score based on the above information. A committee of representative parties will use this score for selection - similar to the Missouri Scholars Academy selection process.

21. SELECTION FORMULA • WISC IV X 2 • SAGES • SCAT • TEACHER RECOMMENDATION

22. SELECTION TIMELINE • NOVEMBER 11: MEETING • NOVEMBER 19: DEADLINE • DECEMBER/JANUARY: WISC IV, SAGES AND SCAT TESTING • JANUARY: TEACHER RATING

23. SELECTION TIMELINE • FEBRUARY: SELECTION COMMITTEE • FEBRUARY: ENROLLMENT LETTERS MAILED, INFORMATIONAL MEETING • MARCH: SHADOWING, ENROLLMENT CONFIRMED • , Enrollment Confirmed • April: Orientation and enrollment packets

24. What comes next? • Reflect on the information provided • Have discussions with all involved • Is a significantly accelerated program in a non-traditional setting a good “fit”? • Does past performance indicate success with regards to skills and commitment? To proceed, applications should be submitted by NOVEMBER 19, 2010. CONTACT: Mrs. Preston 523-9770