Gifted services at Independence Middle School include:
- Subject Acceleration
- Grade Level Enrichment Classes
- Grade Level Differentiation and Independent Extension Activities.
MATH
While subject acceleration is still an option for Superior Cognitive and Math Gifted identified students, this acceleration is determined on a student-by-student basis. Our departmental goal is to differentiate and personalize learning at grade-level for our students. This allows students to learn the important fundamental math skills necessary for success in high school courses like Geometry, Calculus, and Physics, while allowing teachers to enrich curriculum for those students that show mastery of content. The inclusion of students at all levels of math learning in a classroom creates a system of peer scaffolding, universal design, and equity. The vision statement for math education at Independence Schools is:
We Believe...
"Math education at Independence Schools is about creating Problem
Solvers with a strong mathematical foundation, number sense, the ability
to intelligently discuss math concepts, and experience math beyond The Test. Math is a
developing, spiraling subject which requires mastery at developmentally appropriate levels."
The general rule for math education for students labeled Superior Cognitive and/or Gifted in Math is outlined below. While some students might still subject accelerate; the transition to middle school, change to more rigourous Ohio Learning Standards for Math, and importance of fundamental math concepts greatly impact math placement. Subject acceleration does not affect a students ability to participate in AP or advanced math in high school.
- Gifted Students entering 5th grade
- Grade-Level Math Enrichment
- Gifted Students entering 6th grade
- Grade-Level Math enrichment
- Gifted Students entering 7th grade
- IOWA testing at the conclusion of 6th grade and teacher recommendation are used to determine placement in Math 7 or Pre-Algebra.
- An IOWA score of 96%-99% (9th Stanine) and teacher recommendation allows for Pre-Algebra placement.
- Retesting at parent discretion must be submitted in writing within 2 weeks after receiving IOWA results
- Gifted Students entering 8th grade
- IOWA testing at the conclusion of 7th grade and teacher recommendation are used to determine placement in Math 8 or Algebra
- An IOWA score of 96%-99% (9th Stanine) and teacher recommendation allow for placement in Algebra
- Retesting at parent discretion must be submitted in writing within 2 weeks after recieving IOWA results
- Gifted Students entering 9th grade
- Algebra 1 students must achieve a B+ (87%) or higher and teacher recommendation for Honors Geometry
ELA
For students identified as Superior Cognitive and/or Gifted in Reading, Independence Middle School offers Enriched Language Arts/Enriched classes. Class offerings vary by grade level. These Enrichment Classes are taught by a Gifted Intervention Specialist and allow for targeted curriculum and project-based learning strategies.