AT the Edge-Enrichment Program for Academically Talented Students

AT the Edge Units
The major component of the program is a weekly pull-out class serving academically talented students in second through sixth grade.  A variety of integrated units of study require students to use higher level thinking skills while participating in hands-on, open-ended activities.  Units are five sessions long for 2nd-4th grade and six sessions long for 5th-6th grade.

Units of Study

Core Students 4th - 6th
Students qualify as “core” AT the Edge enrichment students by placing in the 95th percentile on their combined composite score from the Iowa Test of Basic Skills and the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). Core students may attend all of the units for their grade level, with teacher approval. The CogAT is administered to high achieving  students, 3rd  —6th grade, by the AT the Edge teacher.  Students can also qualify as core with an IQ score of 132 or higher, taken within the last three years.

Revolving Students
Students who have demonstrated particular strengths, talents or interest in the subject matter of a particular unit may be  revolved into a unit as recommended by their classroom teacher.

Math AT the Edge
Math AT the Edge consists of a weekly thirty-minute class focused on problem-solving for students in grades two through six.  Understanding various problem-solving strategies and learning to choose the best one are important skills stressed in this program.  Students are selected by recommendation from the classroom teacher.

Independent Learners
The Independent Learner component is designed for students who are able to take initiative, work independently, and follow through on projects. Eligible students at 3rd and 4th grade will research a topic of their choice, write a report, and prepare a PowerPoint presentation.  Students in 5th and 6th grades have the opportunity to run a student newspaper.  To be eligible, students must submit an application and sample article. Each class meets for approximately one hour weekly.