Peak to Peak Elementary School

Gifted and Special Needs Policies

(Adopted 1/6/06)

 

Elementary Ability Group Placement

 

At Peak to Peak, we strive to challenge and support students at their ability level.  It is our goal to have all students at grade level and above.  Starting in 2006/07 all students will be placed in Math and Language Arts classes through a Spring followed by Fall placement test.  The Math test will be based on the 6 NCTM Standards (these include: Number & Operations; Algebra & Patterns; Data & Probability; Geometry; Measurement and Computation) and CSAP scores.  The Language Arts tests can/may include benchmark leveled readers and standardized tests (such as CSAP, CLAY, QRI and SDRT).   Appropriate placement is evaluated throughout the year.

 

If a student is working below expectations at their current placement, a parent/guardian conference will be held.  At that time, the teacher will use student data and interventions tried (including parent/guardian contact) to show that this placement is inappropriate.  At that time, the student will be moved to an “appropriate” placement.

 

For a student to be moved up into Accelerated Classes (classes operating above a student’s current grade level), the student must show through data and assessment (which can/may include student performance, class work, ILPs, tests, teacher recommendation/observation) that this is an appropriate placement.  In addition, the student’s placement must be approved by the teacher and parents/guardians in a conference. 

 

In order for a student to be placed one grade level above their current grade level in a subject matter, they must be identified as gifted and/or show mastery at all current grade level subject tests and pass the pretests for the grade level above.

 

In order to qualify as gifted, a student needs to be nominated by the teacher and the parent.  They will be referred to the ALPs (Appropriate Learning Placement) Coordinator for assessment.   

 

All final decisions regarding student placement will be approved by the Elementary Principal under the advisement of the classroom teachers.

 

If parents/guardians do not agree with the final decision, they must follow the Peak to Peak Communication Pathway.