STEM and Gifted

 

At Pine Grove Middle School we have the exciting opportunity of offering two different STEM programs to our gifted students.  It is often that STEM and gifted best-practices go hand-in-hand, and at PGM we offer a variety of courses to best meet the needs of your gifted student. 

 

6th Grade

On average, over half of the identified gifted students are eligible to enter the Accelerated STEM program in 6th grade.  These students are placed in Accelerated Math which teaches the 6th grade curriculum during the first half of the year and half of the 7th grade curriculum during the last half of the year.  These students also receive gifted services in Earth Science with a highly-qualified, gifted certified teacher. Gifted eligible students not in the Accelerated STEM program receive traditional 6th grade math courses and join the Accelerated Math students for gifted Earth Science.  These students are also eligible to participate in the interest-based STEM Cohort.

 

7th Grade

In 7th grade, the Accelerated STEM students continue in Accelerated Math and Life Science.   The Accelerated cohort will learn the second half of the 7th grade math curriculum as well as 8th grade math.  The advanced Life Science class moves at an accelerated pace and participates in many STEM challenges and hands-on learning opportunities. All gifted eligible students in 7th grade receive gifted services in ELA.  Students not in the accelerated cohort have the opportunity to participate in an interest-based cohort in Life Science.

 

8th Grade

8th grade Accelerated STEM students continue their academic journey by taking 9th grade Pre-AP Algebra, 9th grade Pre-AP Physical Science, and advanced English/Language Arts.  These students will receive high school credit for the two 9th grade courses at the end of the academic year providing they pass the End of Course Tests for each subject. All gifted eligible students in 8th grade receive gifted services in English/Language Arts and in 9th grade Pre-AP Physical Science. Students not in the accelerated cohort have the opportunity to participate in an interest-based cohort in Physical Science and Technology/Engineering.

 

Please contact Dr. Monica Dyess the STEM and Gifted Coordinator if you have any additional questions:  monicadyess@lowndes.k12.ga.us