GIFTED MIXED-LEVEL SELF-CONTAINED

Description of Mixed Level Self-Contained Tier

• This self-contained tier has multi-leveled classes. Service in the Self-Contained tier consists of one self-contained combined 3rd/4th grade class, one self-contained combined 5th/6th grade class, and one self-contained combined 7th/8th grade class. Each of these classes has no more than thirteen students from either grade level (class maximum of 28). These students are drawn from those identified by screening for the gifted program and are the top students at each grade level. Both mixed-level self-contained elementary classrooms are housed at Kennedy Middle Grade School while the seventh/eighth grade classroom is housed at the Kankakee Junior High School. Parents of the mixed-level identified students have the option of placing their student in the mixed-level self-contained tier of the program or the grade-level self-contained.

• Students qualify for this program at the close of their second grade year, enter in their third grade year, and remain in the program through eighth grade, unless leaving by parent/teacher/student choice. Students, new to the district during the school year, are tested and considered for placement if all qualifications are met and space is available. 

• Curriculum is accelerated, at least 1- 2 years, in all subject areas. This instruction is multi-disciplinary and is given by their classroom teacher. Projects and tasks involving higher order thinking skills are built in all units of study. Students also participate in PE, Music and Art. Band, Orchestra and choir are available starting at 5th grade.