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(Support Academic Independent Learners )
The Pre - AP Academy
In the fall of 2008, Richardson Middle School launched the Columbia county School district’s first Pre-AP Academy, designed to Support Academic Independent Learners (SAIL) and to prepare them for challenging Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment programs when they reach high school. The program serves three overlapping groups of students: the academically Gifted, the high academic achievers, and students with high test scores.
How is SAIL teaching and learning unique?
* SAIL students will experience a strong emphasis on learning advanced reading, math, science, and writing across all subject areas.
* All subjects will be taught in as integrated curriculum, Science with Math, and Language Arts with Social studies. Students will complete projects every grading period; typically, one project counts for a grade in more than one subject area.
* Students will be taught advanced research strategies.
* SAIL students take all their core classes in a designated area on campus.
How are students admitted to SAIL?
Students are chosen on the basis of standardized test scores, grades, teacher recommendations, and student and parent interest. The selection committee reviews all applications. In the spring, RMS Guidance and SAIL faculty distribute SAIL application forms and make presentations. Students and their parents must complete the formal application, collect recommendations from at least two teachers, and attach a report card along with a personal essay written by the student explaining why he/she wants to be part of the program. Second, the committee reviews FCAT and other standardized test scores from every year the student attended elementary school. Parents of students admitted to SAIL must sign a statement of understanding documenting that they know they will be placed on SAIL probation or removed from the program if they don’t maintain a 3.0 grade point average and/or have discipline problems
In the fall of 2008, Richardson Middle School launched the Columbia county School district’s first Pre-AP Academy, designed to Support Academic Independent Learners (SAIL) and to prepare them for challenging Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment programs when they reach high school. The program serves three overlapping groups of students: the academically Gifted, the high academic achievers, and students with high test scores.
How is SAIL teaching and learning unique?
* SAIL students will experience a strong emphasis on learning advanced reading, math, science, and writing across all subject areas.
* All subjects will be taught in as integrated curriculum, Science with Math, and Language Arts with Social studies. Students will complete projects every grading period; typically, one project counts for a grade in more than one subject area.
* Students will be taught advanced research strategies.
* SAIL students take all their core classes in a designated area on campus.
How are students admitted to SAIL?
Students are chosen on the basis of standardized test scores, grades, teacher recommendations, and student and parent interest. The selection committee reviews all applications. In the spring, RMS Guidance and SAIL faculty distribute SAIL application forms and make presentations. Students and their parents must complete the formal application, collect recommendations from at least two teachers, and attach a report card along with a personal essay written by the student explaining why he/she wants to be part of the program. Second, the committee reviews FCAT and other standardized test scores from every year the student attended elementary school. Parents of students admitted to SAIL must sign a statement of understanding documenting that they know they will be placed on SAIL probation or removed from the program if they don’t maintain a 3.0 grade point average and/or have discipline problems
