The High Ability Programming offered in Lawrence Township provides specialized curricula and programming for identified students in grades one through twelve who exhibit exceptional academic ability.

Elementary

The elementary component, STRETCH 1-6, is an accelerated and enriched program differentiated for students who have demonstrated high ability and show the potential for giftedness. These full-time, self-contained classes are housed at Brook Park and Mary Castle Elementary Schools for west side students identified for STRETCH and at Amy Beverland and Sunnyside for east sides students identified for STRETCH.   Students are assigned to a STRETCH site based on their home address. 

The STRETCH 1-6 teaching staff takes great pride in their vision for all STRETCH students. "We foster, nourish, and champion gifted individuals."

Students in the STRETCH program are given learning opportunities and curriculum that addresses their need for more advanced and accelerated content. Students are presented with new information / content so that they learn how to successfully address challenging topics and make sense of unknown information.  The teachers provide many ways for the students to use a variety of thinking skills and self-direction to allow for authentic learning at their level.  Some of the classes use the multi-age service model. Students are grouped by skills, abilities and interests among a range of grade levels to ensure that they receive a differentiated education.

Middle School High Ability Programming – STRETCH 7 and STRETCH 8

Students who qualify for the STRETCH program beginning in grade 7 are placed in STRETCH Language Arts, STRETCH Science, and STRETCH Social Studies. A student’s math proficiency will determine if placement in 7^th grade is in Algebra (for high school credit and graduation requirement) or Pre-Algebra.  Students who successfully complete the Algebra course as well as pass the End of Course Assessment required for graduation in 7^th grade take Geometry (for high school credit) in 8^th grade.  Students who successfully complete Pre-Algebra in 7^th grade will then take Algebra in 8^th grade (for high school credit and graduation requirement).

The curriculum and program components for Language Arts, Science and Social Studies are in line with the national exemplary standards for high ability students and require more in-depth analysis of the content.  Students are presented with learning opportunities that will prepare them well for advanced courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP) in high school.  A variety of instructional strategies are implemented to ensure a well-rounded experience in these middle grades.

High School

High Ability students who have participated in the elementary and/or middle level programs in MSDLT should be well prepared to be a top student at either of the MSDLT high schools.  Both Lawrence Central and Lawrence North high schools offer high ability students a wide assortment of advanced courses, including College Credit Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced English / Literature courses.  Dual credit, college credit, and online courses are also available and encouraged.  These students are also highly encouraged to join clubs, sports, musical groups, etc. to enhance their high school experience.  Visit our high schools websites for more information.

• Lawrence Central Academics
• Lawrence North Academics

Additional Information

• Read the complete Gifted & Talented Program Vision.
• Interested?  Visit our Identification Process page for more infomation.

Contact Information

For more information: Patricia Gerber, Director of Special Programs, 317-423-8330.