Primary Challenge Program

1st & 2nd Grade

Park Ridge-Niles School District 64

Primary Challenge Facilitation Staff

District Facilitation Team

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Amy Konwal - Program Assistant

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Helen Pasley - Co-Curriculum Coordinator & Program Facilitator

(Primary Challenge, Grades 3-5 ELA & Grade 3 Math)

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Kendra Hutchinson - Co-Curriculum Coordinator & Program Facilitator

(Grades 4-5 Math & Middle School C of C)

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Primary Challenge Teaching Staff

District PC Curriculum Team

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• Carpenter: Amy Sacor
• Field: Jo Barzowski
• Franklin: Demetra Koupas
• Roosevelt: Kristin Park
• Washington: Matt Bozeday

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What is Primary Challenge?

• Enrichment program in grades 1 & 2
• Program to service students with current advanced learning needs
• In academic areas of reading and/or math
• Flexible program (students may move in and out of groups)

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Program Description

• Flexible

*student may move in or out of the program

• Need based
• Small group instruction
• You will be notified if your child qualifies

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How Are Students Identified?

• Evaluated in reading & math separately
• Evaluations occur twice a year
• Includes standardized AND individual assessments
• Utilizes multiple data points
• Program-specific assessments
• FastBridge (1st grade)
• Reading Running Records
• MAP (2nd grade)

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What is the PC Identification Criteria?

• Results from diagnostic assessments determine eligibility
• Students are considered at least one grade level above (often up to 2 grade levels)
• Students demonstrate grade level capacity for abstract thought

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Primary Challenge Calendar

1st Grade

August & September : Assessments (including Fastbridge)

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Mid-September: Primary Challenge small group instruction begins

-groups are pulled once per week

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January: 2nd round of assessments

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Early February: New groups

begin

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Primary Challenge Calendar

2nd Grade

August & September: Assessments (including MAP Testing)

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Mid-September: Primary Challenge small group instruction begins

-groups are pulled once per week

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December: Winter MAP testing

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January: New groups begin

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Early February: All groups on pause for CogAT testing

*exact date is on the website

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What is the Primary Challenge

Curriculum?

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• Aligns with Common Core Standards

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• Provides a challenge and builds critical thinking skills

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• Skills may vary throughout the

year

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• May have homework

requirements

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Expectations and Activities

Reading Instruction

• 1-2 grade levels above
• Read independently
• Advanced vocabulary
• Activities: analysis, book discussion (literary elements, inference, etc.)

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Math Instruction

• Apply math knowledge and problem solving challenges
• Lessons: concrete, pictorial and abstract representations of problems

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How do Primary Challenge and Channels of Challenge Compare?

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Participation in PC does NOT guarantee participation in C of C.

C of C Evaluation Process

*Participation in PC does NOT guarantee participation in C of C

Important Notes for the C of C Evaluation Process

• MAP scores serve as screening data point in C of C evaluation process
• CogAT is second data point -- will occur in early Feb. (see website for specific dates)
• Additional cognitive test may be administered if students meet criteria
• Student placement will be sent out by July 1st

2nd Grade Eligibility Process

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participation in C of C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Primary Challenge FAQ

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Are there Conferences? Primary Challenge Parent-Teacher Conferences are optional. PC teachers will reach out if they think one is needed and can be reached by email.

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Do students in PC receive homework? Yes - homework assignments vary according to the topics and grade levels. PC teachers will communicate that information to you if your child enters the program.

If your child is in PC, be sure to check their folder for homework

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