A final reminder that the online registration deadline for the SAT and ACT exams is Tuesday, April 27.  This would apply to 7th and 8th graders with 90+ MAP achievement test scores, and 92+ for 6th graders.  A reminder flyer with registration information was sent out last week.  The Explore testing has been completed for this school year, and this notice is only for students who may wish to still take the SAT or ACT exam in June.

To Students in Grades 7 & 8 with 90 or Above MAP percentile Score in Reading and/or Math
     and Students in Grade 6 with 92 or Above MAP percentile Score in Reading and/or Math
     All the above students received the original NUMATS qualification letter dated September 30, 2009.

Northwestern University has asked us to remind students and parents of 6th, 7th and 8th graders that there is still time to sign up for the last NUMATS testing schedule for June.

                  SAT EXAM - June 5               ACT EXAM - June 12

DEADLINE FOR ON-LINE REGISTRATION IS TUESDAY, APRIL 27.

NOTE:  This additional testing is only for the SAT and ACT Exam.  The EXPLORE test is finished for the year.

A reminder flyer with additional instructions for registration will be sent home in Wednesday envelopes to students in grades 6-7-8 who received the initial qualification. 

District 105 supports the NUMATS testing experience by paying the test fee, and parents pay the NUMATS fee.  There is also Financial Aid from NUMATS to waive the NUMATS fee for those eligible.

Contact Dr. Kathy Stone, Gurrie Middle School, for more information.  708-482-2720  Ext. 1208  kstone@d105.net

Identification in Grade 3 is being made in April for next year's SAIL Advanced Reading group in Grade 4.  Classroom Teachers have completed Learning and Motivation checklists for all students who have scored at or above the 85th percentile on MAP tests in reading for Spring 09, Fall 09, or Winter 10.   Parents of these students received a letter on April 10, advising that the CogAT Cognitive Ability Test (Verbal Battery) will be given during the period of April 13-23.  Placement letters for Grade 4 reading will be mailed to all third grade parents on May 19.  Parents of students who were given the CogAT testing will also receive a score report on the results of the CogAT testing.  From May 19 through May 31, there is a window of Appeals, where parents may formally submit an appeal for reconsideration of the decision regarding qualification for the Advanced Reading group.  The deadline for Appeals is Monday, May 31, and no appeals will be accepted after that deadline.

Identification in Grade 4 is being made in April for next year's SAIL Accelerated Math Class in Grade 5.  Classroom Teachers completed Mathematics checklists for all students who scored at or above the 85th percentile on MAP tests in Math for Spring 09, Fall 09, or Winter 10.  Parents of those students received a notification letter on April 10, advising that the students would be given the CogAT Cognitive Abilities Test (Quantitative Battery) during the period of April 13-23.  Results of the CogAT test will be mailed to parents along with Grade 5 math placement letters on May 19.  During the last week in May, students identified for Accelerated Math in Grade 5, and those being considered through appeals will given an additional assessment of material normally covered in the Grade 5 math curriculum.  For the results of that testing, a GAP analysis will be made showing what gaps in math skills will require additional instruction.  4th Grade students who are starting 5th grade accelerated math in the fall were also be given a packet of GAP work they will complete over the summer.

A review was conducted during March for assessment of grade 6 students who would qualify for the Advanced Lit/English class in Grade 7.  Students were reviewed based on Map scores in Reading and Language.  Any national percentile score at or above the 85th percentile qualifies the student for further consideration.  All 6th grade teachers have completed checklists in reading and language for the students who are being considered.  

Based on the test and checklist data, a list will be approved by the district SAIL committee following completion of the Spring 2010 MAP testing.  Letters will be mailed on Wednesday May 19 to all incoming 7th grade students advising their placement at Gurrie for their literature/english class.  Students who do not qualify for the Advanced Lit/English have the period from May 19 until May 31 to appeal the qualification decision.  The absolute deadline for appeals is Monday, May 31.

The SAIL Advanced Reading pullout groups are scheduled twice a week for 45 to 60 minutes, depending upon the scheduling at each elementary school.

Each quarter, 50% of the SAIL Advanced Reading Curriculum is comprised of Caesar's English Advanced Vocabulary.

The other 50% of each quarter is comprised of Literature study.  The lst Quarter covers advanced analysis of short story literature based on the advanced curriculum published by the Center for Gifted at the College of William and Mary.

GIFTED & TALENTED ORGANIZATIONS

Weekly Overview of Assignments for Hodgkins SAIL Adv. Rdg. Gr. 4-5-6

WEEKLY HOMEWORK OVERVIEW
SPRING AVE. SAIL GR. 4-5-6

Overview of Advanced Reading Curriculum by Quarter

References Related to Gifted and Talented Education

Formal process of Appeals for reconsideration of placement in SAIL Advanced Reading and Accelerated Math

Process and Communications regarding identification for Accelerated Math and Advanced Reading

Overview of Accelerated Math Curriculum Components

Copies of Various Pieces of Information Presented at Sail Parent Meeting on Sept. 30

Various Information Helpful to Parents of Gifted and Talented Children

Progress Reports and Criteria Checklists for Advanced Reading and Accelerated Math