Advanced Classes in Elementary School…Yes!

Yes, you read that right.  I created advanced placement classes this year at my school!  This is not to be mistaken for Gifted and Talented classes.  I still have my Gifted and Talented Classes too.  The AP classes are designed for students who are high achieving in reading and/or math.  My goal is to help these students excel or reach commended performance or “level 3” on the state assessment at the end of the year.  Also another goal is for these students to be taught to think critically, analyze text and apply new skills.  Fourth grade students that attend these classes were selected by data and teacher recommendation.  The class meets daily for 30 minutes each day.  Parents received letters before Christmas to explain the program.  Every parent and every student enrolled accepted the challenge!

Take a look at fourth grade advanced placement classes:

Reading Advanced Placement

Several of the strategies that we use on our campus come from Marcia Tate.  In the book Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites: 20 Instructional Strategies That Engage the Brain
, she gives 20 instructional strategies that engage the brain.