|
|
Mrs. Irvin |
| Home | PEP FAQ | Curriculum | Homework Guidelines | Another Great Poem! | Links | About The Teacher | Email |
|
PEP FAQFrequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
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. Students are identified using recommendations, observations, and standardized test scores, and the level of service each will receive is determined from there. Students who consistently score above the 95th percentile are usually candidates for PEP. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Eighth graders in PEP math complete a year of Algebra here at Park View. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! |
|
