NORTH SPENCER HIGH ABILITY PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The North Spencer County School Corporation HA program exists for the purpose of enabling students to become self-motivated, independent learners; helping them realize their full potential and range of abilities; and building in them a positive respect for self and others, so that they may become responsible, productive members of society. Beyond what is offered in the regular school program, the program offers modifications in content, process, product, and learning environment. To achieve these purposes we:

Develop and extend basic skills

Accelerate learning

Enrich and expand content in the major subject areas using
multidisciplinary, differentiated, and integrated learning opportunities

Develop skills in independent study and research, leadership, problem
solving, and critical thinking

This is not a “pull out” program in North Spencer but rather a “cluster grouping” program, where the HA student remains in the classroom with the other students. Research has proven this to be the best approach for the HA students because they need the experience of a regular education classroom. Also, HA students provide input and participate as a role model for the rest of the class. All students learn from each other no matter how they are identified. Our philosophy is to continue to build a high ability curriculum through differentiation in every classroom so all children will benefit.

In high school, advanced and/or honors classes are available in English, Math, Social Studies and Science. Also, students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses and courses for dual credit at a participating college.