Primary Challenge Program
Primary Challenge Resources
Primary Challenge is an enrichment program of services for students from kindergarten through 2nd grade with advanced learning needs in the specific academic areas of reading and math. The program is designed to use a flexible identification process and provide services as a student demonstrates need.
Primary Challenge services provided to students are aligned with the classroom curriculum while providing students a level of challenge appropriate to their level of ability. The exact nature and content of the program services will be determined cooperatively between the classroom teacher and the Primary Challenge teacher. The services and content will be based on the observed learning needs of the students to be served.
Primary Challenge teachers:
- meet with all kindergarten students during the first semester’s weekly sessions in kindergarten classrooms.
- use a talent development model to help build students’ critical thinking, math reasoning, and growth mindset during the weekly kindergarten classroom sessions.
- consult and collaborate with teachers in selecting and adapting classroom materials to support differentiated instruction of students as needed.
- collaborate with classroom teachers in the identification of students for services through the program.
- provide pull out instruction in specific skill areas for identified students. Such pull out instruction is scheduled for a period of weeks and addresses areas of strength in reading and/or math that the students have in common. See the Testing Calendar resource link above for information about each grade’s schedule.
Developmentally, children’s abilities emerge at different times. The identification process for Primary Challenge will occur throughout the school year. The identification of students for services in grades K - 2 will be based on district, classroom, and Primary Challenge teacher assessments. The identification is fluid and allows for participation based on a student’s strengths, interests, and needs.
The identification process for reading and math may include district benchmark assessments (e.g., Fastbridge Early Literacy/Math and MAP), reading records, and other classroom assessments. If Primary Challenge pullout services are appropriate for your child, you will receive a letter by email and a permission to participate link following the observations and assessment period. Only students that meet specific criteria during the identification process may enter the program.
Many students identified for the Primary Challenge program need opportunities to develop strategies for tackling challenging work. They must learn how to accomplish “hard” tasks and find ways to approach problems in different ways when their first tries aren’t successful. Working with other students of similar ability will support this development. Consistent involvement in challenging learning opportunities fosters a growth mindset. These needs are usually well met within the context of the regular classroom and the Primary Challenge program. Students who require a more intensive response are referred to the building social worker for appropriate services.
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