ExCEL is an enrichment pull-out program for students in grades 2-6 who have been identified for placement either through formal identification or nomination by classroom teachers. ExCEL instructors meet with groups of 12 to 15 of students once per week for approximately 1.5 hours to develop skills in critical thinking, creative thinking, problem solving, inventing, and logical reasoning skills through a variety of enrichment activities. Since students are working on challenging activities while in the ExCEL room, classroom teachers are asked to eliminate, reduce or modify classroom assignments.
Elementary TAG teachers currently administer a standardized test called the Structure of the Intellect (SOI) to identify students for gifted education service. Identified core students, as well as students nominated by classroom teachers who demonstrate a strong interest and talent in a particular subject area, are invited to participate in these group seminars. Weekly seminars, taught by a Talented and Gifted Program Specialist, use a five strand curriculum focusing on process skills and enrichment in math (Continental Math League) with students in grades two through six.
