Making the move to middle school is an exciting and challenging time.  Students are leaving an atmosphere in which their world is primarily structured around a single teacher and entering an environment with eight teachers or more.  This change can be a daunting experience.

The delivery of gifted and talented services is another noticeable change.  No longer are students pulled out of the regular classroom for specialized instruction groups with a Gifted and Talented Facilitator.  Rather, instruction takes place within the classroom with support from the Gifted and Talented Facilitator.  At this point in a child’s education, we want our students to experience the art of independent learning.

With independence comes choice both within the classroom and beyond.  In the classroom, teachers differentiate content, process, and product based upon the student’s academic readiness as well as their learning styles or interests.  Beyond the classroom, students have the opportunity to be challenged through a variety of special events, contests, and clubs; however, a larger number of students are eligible for limited spots in these opportunities.

Another important difference at the middle school level is the rigor of coursework found in the classroom.  Advanced classes are available with placement determined through established criteria.  Performance and flexible grouping allow students to be pre-assessed and move through different levels of learning based on their daily performance.

Making the move to middle school is an exciting and challenging time.  Students are leaving an atmosphere in which their world is primarily structured around a single teacher and entering an environment with eight teachers or more.  This change can be a daunting experience.

The delivery of gifted and talented services is another noticeable change.  No longer are students pulled out of the regular classroom for specialized instruction groups with a Gifted and Talented Facilitator.  Rather, instruction takes place within the classroom with support from the Gifted and Talented Facilitator.  At this point in a child’s education, we want our students to experience the art of independent learning.

With independence comes choice both within the classroom and beyond.  In the classroom, teachers differentiate content, process, and product based upon the student’s academic readiness as well as their learning styles or interests.  Beyond the classroom, students have the opportunity to be challenged through a variety of special events, contests, and clubs; however, a larger number of students are eligible for limited spots in these opportunities.

Another important difference at the middle school level is the rigor of coursework found in the classroom.  Advanced classes are available with placement determined through established criteria.  Performance and flexible grouping allow students to be pre-assessed and move through different levels of learning based on their daily performance.