Challenge in CCSD 89

  • Students working on robotics

    The Challenge Program in Community Consolidated School District 89 is an extension program for identified students in second through fifth grade. 

    Students who show giftedness in English Language Arts can qualify for the Language Arts and Humanities (LAH) strand. A full description of the LAH program can be found below.

    Students who show giftedness in math and science can qualify for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) strand.  A full description of the STEM program can be found below.

    Challenge Language Arts and Humanities

    Challenge Language Arts and Humanities (LAH) is offered for children in grades 2-5 who need a more advanced curriculum in these areas to thrive academically. Learning objectives are aligned with the Common Core learning objectives, at a higher grade level. Students are pulled from their literacy block for Challenge LAH.  

    Activities and projects may include: novel studies, poetry, research, Socratic Method, Shakespeare, introduction to Latin, Greek and Latin roots, mythology, history and cultural studies, presentation skills, and more. Speaking and listening/performance is also covered at each grade level.

    Challenge STEM

    STEM Challenge includes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). High-performing students in grades 2-5 are identified as needing more rigorous STEM learning opportunities than offered in the regular classroom. Learning targets and objectives are aligned with the Common Core and College and Career Ready standards, at an advanced grade level. Students are pulled from their math block Challenge STEM.  

    Activities that STEM students participate in may include: hands-on equations, algebra, robotics, architecture, introduction to computer programming, structural engineering, research, labs, and experiments, and Continental Math League contests.

    Identification

    All students are screened for potential entrance to the Challenge program. Identification is based on both cognitive and academic performance. Please note: identification for Challenge is not something for which teachers and/or parents can prepare students. Students identified for the program show a natural ability, cognitive strength, and general ease with curriculum and new challenges. 

    Placement eligibility for Challenge LAH requires a cognitive score above the 93rd percentile, and MAP ELA performance consistently above the 93 percentile.

    Placement eligibility for Challenge STEM requires a cognitive score above the 93rd percentile, and MAP Math performance consistently above the 93 percentile.

    Continued placement in the program requires maintaining above the 93 percentile on MAP as well as exceeding standards in the regular classroom setting.

    Please contact your school's principal or Challenge teacher if you have questions regarding the Challenge program. 

    To learn more about the Challenge Program Appeals Procedure, click here. 

Challenge teachers