The Fermi Off-the-Wall Math League will begin winter competition this year on January 31, 2012 for individual students and teams of up to four students who would like to enter answers in the competition.  The questions are open-ended and the thought processes are as important as the answers.  Students in grades 1 through 5 can compete but grades 1 and 2 are considered "family math" where families submit answers that they have worked out together.  The district will pre-pay the fee so no student in the district has to pay to enter a team or as an individual.  There are also archived problems that students can access if they don't want to enter the competition.  Some schools may choose to make up classroom teams with the help of parent volunteers.  Please let you child's teacher know if you would like to help.

The winter competition begins January 31.  All students who are interested need to register as a team or an individual but when it asks for payment they will type in "District paid."  The program is password protected and the log-in is W12Fermi and the password is brrrfermi.  To learn more about the program or to register, click on the Fermi Math Flyer in the Department Files below or go to www.district287.org/fermi/

The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) is one measure used for identification of gifted and talented students in our district.  The test is a matrix-reasoning ability measure made up of diagrams and shapes that form patterns.  The test includes segments that test pattern completion, reasoning by analogy, serial reasoning and spatial visualization.  The NNAT requires students to rely on reasoning and problem-solving skills instead of verbal skills.

The NNAT is a nonverbal test and is considered culturally fair and unbaised because it does not rely on language acquisition or cultural references.  It is appropriate for students who have limited English-language skills.  The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test provides a valid way to measure general ability for all students.  The NNAT is one measure used for gifted and talented identification.  MAP and MCA test scores are also part of our identification process.    

In September, all third graders will be tested in their classroom using the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT).  All fourth and fifth graders new to the district will also be tested using the NNAT.  These test results are part of the identification criteria to place students in the Focus program.  MAP scores and MCA scores are also used for Focus placement.

Focus classes will start at the beginning of October for students in grades three, four and five.  Additional students will be added throughout the school year based on qualifying test scores.  Students who have already been placed in the Focus program will continue to be served.

All students in grade 2 will be tested in February using the NNAT.  This is one of the measures used for gifted identification.  In addition to the NNAT, MAP and MCA test scores are used in the gifted identification process. 

District Instruction Policy
Grade and Subject Acceleration Policy
I-19

Early Entrance Policy

Gifted and Talented Identification Process