1. What is ENRICH and LIFT, and how are they different? ENRICH is the High Potential service for second and third grades. ENRICH extends the learning in the core classroom to engage high-level learners, and prepare them for the rigors of LIFT. ENRICH is IN ADDITION to the core classroom work, so students must keep up with work in their homeroom. ENRICH students alternate days between second and third grade, and core curriculum block of Math and Reading rotate in 5 to 7 week blocks. The report card grades do NOT come from the ENRICH teacher, but from the core classroom.
LIFT is an acronym for Learning Intensive Fast-Track. Fourth and Fifth graders who qualify for placement in Reading and/or Math meet everyday with the LIFT teacher. Readers shadow the core classrrom concepts, but read materials above grade level. Readers also have an additional word study curriculum--Wordly Wise, and an intensive comprehension tool--Jacob's Ladder.
LIFT math is compacted so that 4th grade gets content from 4th and 5th grade math units. Fifth grade gets the rest of 5th grade content, plus 6th grade content. LIFT math students successfully completing the 5th grade scope and sequence should be ready for Pre-algebra as 6th graders.LIFT math students also participate in a curriculum known as Keys to Algebra, exposing them to more early algebra concepts and skills.
LIFT students receive their respective grades from the LIFT teacher, NOT the core classroom teacher.
2. How do students qualify for High Potential Placement? Students used to qualify on a Matrix that included Current MAP and MCA scores. Now all data is put on a spreadsheet so we are able to average ALL the MAP and MCA data as well as report card data from the preceeding year. We feel this gives a much more accurate picture of student performance. We still take into account teacher input, and, for the first time, prior placement in an HP class will earn some points towards qualification. The idea is to have the best possible placement for students.
3. If my child is currently in a High Potential setting, does that mean they will automatically be placed in a High Potential setting next year? No. Students and academic content change from year to year, so we need to assess every year. Remember, the idea is the best appropriate placement for the student. It is not unusual for a student to qualify one year, and not the next-- or qualify for one subject, and the next year qualify for another subject.
