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1. SPSMOM
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   Can someone tell me the difference between the programs Spectrum and STEM.

   Is their a reason to prefer Spectrum over an ALO school (or the reverse).

   Posted 3 months ago #         

2. HSG
   Member Profile

   Spectrum is a program for students performing at least one year above their current grade level. Students are identified through testing, and if they qualify, they are invited to apply for a Spectrum seat at one of the schools offering the program. However, admission is not guaranteed because there are limited seats.

   AOL is a program to offer accelerated instruction at schools without Spectrum. Students do not need to be performing above grade level in all subjects to participate in AOL. They remain in a regular classroom, but receive some differentiated instruction, based on the subjects in which they excel, either inside or out of their classroom. Participation is not supposed to be limited by a set number of seats, and some parents prefer it over moving their kids to a new school if their current school does not offer Spectrum. Other parents do not feel AOL is rigorous enough to challenge their kids.

   STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. It implies is a curicular focus in those areas, but does not equate to accelerated instruction. Any student may apply to the new STEM school at Boren, and seats will be assigned based on SPS's tie breakers. Most likely all students in grades 1-5 will be accepted next year unless the program proves more popular than the other new option schools that have opened in recent years. Class sizes may also be smaller at the new school, but could span three grades if enrollment is very low, i.e. 3rd, 4th, and 5th in one classroom.

   Posted 3 months ago #         

3. SPSMOM
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   Based on above descriptions it sounds like if your child is in Spectrum you may not want them in a STEM school.

   Posted 3 months ago #         

4. kmweiner
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   Or, if the excel in or are interested in or need help in the STEM subjects you may.

   Posted 3 months ago #         

5. StringCheese
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   The district would be very foolish not to take the opportunity to incorporate advanced learning into the new STEM school. Our high achieving kids in WS are grossly underserved. You couldn't have handed the district a more simple solution to the Lafayette overcrowding and Spectrum wait-list problem. That said, I'm sure they'll blow it...

   Posted 3 months ago #         

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