Identification Process

Identification Process for Grades 1-6 Stretch

The STRETCH 1-6 program is made up of three class sections at each grade level, 1-6. The STRETCH 1-6 program is housed at Brook Park and Mary Castle for west side students and Amy Beverland and Sunnyside for east side students. Students’ home addresses are used to determine which site they will attend. The number of students in each class at each grade level mirrors the district averages. All students who are residents of Lawrence Township may be considered for the high ability program.

Students are selected using specific criteria requirements that are in accordance with state law. The identification and selection process for current MSDLT students occurs in the spring of each year.  Applications are accepted in the spring for the upcoming school year up until the end of the first semester.  Students who are new to the district may be considered for the program at any time during the year.  Students who qualify for the program will score in the highest ranges on formal assessments (ability tests, achievement tests) and have strong evidence in their informal information (teacher and parent input) when compared with their peers.

All MSDLT kindergarten students are screened for high ability.  Should a child score in the 95th percentile or higher on this screening, he/she is then administered additional assessments to help determine if special programming is needed.  Input is also gathered from the student’s teacher and parent(s).  Students who have the highest formal information (testing scores) and greatest evidence of high ability from their informal information when compared with their peers will qualify and be invited to STRETCH 1 at their assigned site.  Approximately 40-50 first graders are invited to be in the STRETCH program each year.

Students in grades 2-6 who are interested in STRETCH may apply to be considered.  There is a deadline for when STRETCH applications are due each spring for consideration for the following school year.  Applications are then reviewed and additional steps are completed, including the gathering of testing data that already exists, administration of additional tests, input from the teacher and the parent.  All of the candidates’ files are then reviewed by the MSDLT STRETCH selection committee comprised of administrators, teachers, and district-level directors.

Applications for the High Ability Program for current MSDLT students, STRETCH Grades 1-6, are made available in February.  You may access them online or call 423-8330 to get one mailed to your home.  If you are new to MSDLT, please complete the application as soon as possible and call 423-8330 to let the office know of your interest in the program. 

 

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