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- What is PEP?
- Who is eligible for PEP?
- Not every child is a good test-taker. Why are test scores so important?
- Why do PEP services differ slightly from year to year?
- Are PEP classes different than regular classes?
- Are students ever removed from PEP ?
- What if I think my child is gifted, but he or she isn't in PEP?
- What is the sequence of PEP math and reading classes from grades 1-8?
- Does my child need to be in PEP to be in honors classes in high school?
- In what other ways are enrichment services provided at Park View?
- What are some myths about gifted students?
- How can I provide enrichment for my child outside of school?
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What is PEP?
PEP stands for the Park View Enrichment Program. We provide a variety of
services to challenge students who need some enrichment or
who are academically gifted in language arts or math.
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Who is eligible for PEP?
Students are identified using a matrix of observations and standardized test
scores, and
the level of service each will receive is determined from there. Students
who consistenly score in the 98th and 99th percentile are usually candidates
for PEP. In addition to test scores, recommendations by teachers and
parents are part of the identification process.
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Not every child is a good test-taker. Why are test scores so important?
We recognize that all students have talents and special abilities. The
tests
are one factor we consider, and they help us to be consistent in our
identification of students with exceptional ability in math and language
arts.
We also use the scores to substantiate our identification of PEP students
to the state every year.
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Why do PEP services differ slightly from year to year?
Each year we take a new look at the groups of students with whom we are
working, and we consider their specific needs. We also modify our program
based on the feedback of past groups. Furthermore, we pilot new programs
from time to time.
Finally and in all honesty, parameters of the
schedule and available personnel need to be taken into account. This year
we
offer reading and math classes in grades three through eight.
Considering that some of our neighboring schools have eliminated their
gifted programs, we feel very fortunate to have the strong support of our
school board, administrators, and parents.
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Are PEP classes different than regular classes?
The goal of PEP classes is the same as the goal of all classes: to provide
opportunities for every child to learn at his or her level of ability.
Students in the enrichment program move at an accelerated pace and complete
multi-faceted studies. These smaller groups of gifted students are able to
build upon the same skills that are taught in the regular classroom to
undertake more complex endeavors.
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Are students ever removed from PEP ?
Yes, sometimes. If it becomes apparent that the class is not a good fit
(the student is struggling consistently, earning poor grades, or the child
is unduly stressed out over the work), we may place the student back in the
regular classroom. Sometimes PEP students choose to try the regular
classroom for a few weeks to see which is the better fit. We try to be
flexible and supportive of each student's needs in a situation like this.
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What if I think my child is gifted, but he or she isn't in PEP?
Talk to your child's teacher and tell him or her what you're seeing. You
are also welcome to give me a call and share your thoughts! I am always
interested in hearing about talented kids. After hearing what you have to
say, I'll confer with your child's teacher to determine whether you two are
seeing the same things. After that, I might offer specific resources to
teachers in the hopes of benefiting your child, or I might provide an out-of-
level assessment to be administered to your child in order to better
determine his or her level of performance in a subject.
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What is the sequence of PEP math and reading classes from grades 1-8?
With few exceptions, we do not formally identify students for PEP classes
until third grade. That being said, if you have a child in kindergarten,
first, or second grade with extraordinary abilities, please talk with the
classroom teacher, and we'll determine if adjustments need to be made for
your child.
Normally, however, services begin in third grade with a small group of
students. In math, we enrich the regular curriculum up to grade five; PEP
students attend math class with Mrs. Irvin during the regular math time.
Beginning in grade six, we accelerate the curriculum. Sixth grade PEP math
students are placed in a seventh grade class that uses the Connected Math
series. Seventh grade math students
take an eighth grade Connected Math course, and at the end of that year,
they take
a placement test to determine whether they qualify for the Integrated
Geometry test at Niles West High School. Eighth graders who qualify have
the option to attend that class during first period at the high school.
Students who do not qualify for that class will take a year of Algebra
at Park View (which is actually a better fit for most of our PEP students
than the Niles West class).
In Reading and Language Arts, third-through fifth-grade students are in pull-
out groups that meet with Mrs. Schmid. After that we offer sixth, seventh,
and eighth grade classes for which students must
apply and be selected.
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Does my child need to be in PEP to be in honors classes in high school?
No. The high school uses their own criteria (a placement test and
parent/teacher input) to determine placement in classes. Students who were
not in PEP can still qualify for honors and AP classes.
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In what other ways are enrichment services provided at Park View?
Enrichment services are delivered by every teacher to promote in-depth
problem
solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Differentiated curriculum,
independent studies, or groups such as literature circles and flexible math
clusters allow us to provide the best learning opportunities for all
students.
In addition, our specialists enrich reading, speech, language acquisition,
and
other areas of development. Finally, our excellent music, art, and athletic
programs meet the needs of many talented students, and clubs ranging from
yearbook to vet club to science olympiad are available at many grade levels.
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What are some myths about gifted students?
In contrast to many myths, here are some facts: Gifted children are not
always
exemplary students; they may act out or even hide their giftedness in order
to
'fit in' or avoid challenges. Also, they usually do not think of themselves
as
perfect; they're often highly self-critical and quite sensitive. Finally,
not
everything in life comes easily to gifted children.
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How can I provide enrichment for my child outside of school?
What your kids want most (even if they won't admit it) is to spend time
with you. You're a great source of enrichment! Talk with your child about
her creative ideas, the books you're reading, current events, your job,
places you've traveled or what you know about other cultures, religions, or
ethnic groups.
Take advantage of all that this area has to offer! Go to the zoo, the
museums or the Historical Society (which is more exciting than it sounds);
every museum has a free day, by the way. Take an archetectural boat tour or
a ride on the trains. The botanical gardens are beautiful year-round!
Utilize the internet! You can see and learn things that you wouldn't
otherwise see (which reminds me--please supervise your child while she's
surfing the net!) Try going to education sites (see the school's links as
well as each teacher's own links page).
Go to Constructive Playthings (on Lincoln, just east of Gross Point Rd.)
and buy a math or writing workbook (but remember, kids usually need
different work, not just more of the same work). How about a book of
brainteasers?
Make sure your kids are reading. The best thing people can do to improve
their reading is to do more of it! It also has a very nice effect on
people's vocabularies and their abilities to construct sentences and
punctuate them. If you want your child to be a better reader, I suggest you
read the same book that your child is reading so that you can discuss it
with him or her.
Finally, you can also inquire about year-round children's classes at
Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development as well as National
Louis's Center for Gifted. And one last resource--don't forget that our
very own Park View now offers fun and enriching summer school classes!
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