Program Overview

Challenge classes are taught in the following grades and content areas: Reading 6, Writing 6, Reading 7, Writing 7 and Language Arts 8 (combination of reading and writing). Classes meet once per week and students are pulled directly out of either their reading or writing classes (grades six and seven) or out of language arts class for grade eight students. The Challenge classroom is located in the 8th grade wing, room 107.

In order to continue attending Challenge classes throughout the year, students must maintain a minimum of a B- average in their reading/writing/language arts classes. Should a student not be meeting these criteria, they are not eligible to attend Challenge class until all work is complete and their grade has improved.

Curriculum in Language Arts Challenge is created around higher level thinking skills (Bloom's Taxonomy Level 4 – Analysis; Level 5 – Synthesis; Level 6 – Evaluation). Strands three and four of the CT Mastery Test (Making Connections and Author's Craft) are considered in the development of reading lesson plans. Curricular connections relative to units of study or theme are also considered, along with extensions to novels read by students in their respective grade level reading classes. No homework is given to students in Challenge classes. However, some classes are extended beyond one week so as to allow for students to begin and complete a finished product. Students will receive a Challenge class progress report twice a year (January and June) highlighting strengths and areas needing improvement relative to behavioral characteristics, effort, skills and work habits.

During mid-year and again in early spring, conversations will take place regarding potential students to recommend for Challenge for next year from current reading and language arts teachers, as well as an in-depth discussion of students currently participating. Throughout the year, wherever possible, lessons should be differentiated for students placed in Challenge in their respective reading and/or language arts classes. In addition, the Language Arts Challenge resource teacher is also a resource for faculty who might like to collaborate on ideas for curriculum, differentiation, student activities, lesson planning or visits from outside speakers/presenters or artists.