PRISM, a self-contained, four-course program, is part of the Bellevue School District’s Gifted and Talented Education (G.A.T.E.) program. The PRISM program currently serves over 350 students in a multi-aged, grade one through eight setting. The program is located at Stevenson Elementary School for grades one through five and Odle Middle School for grades six through eight. Stevenson and Odle are centrally located, and the program draws students both from throughout and outside the district.
The PRISM program serves students of exceptionally high academic and intellectual ability and students must meet specific entry criteria. While PRISM provides highly capable students with advanced and accelerated curriculum in the areas of mathematics, science, social studies and language arts, it is not a program that will meet the needs of all students who meet this criteria. In some instances because of their age level, students may have difficulty organizing time or spending the time needed on certain tasks. The PRISM program requires dedication, commitment to academic achievement on the part of each student, and support from the parents and classroom teachers. The curriculum is balanced between academic acceleration and enrichment, and is designed to move beyond what is taught in the regular classroom in order to meet the needs of students who have demonstrated the ability (academic and behavioral), interest and need for academic acceleration. In lieu of skipping grades, and because they are few in number and differ from other children in cognitive development, it is preferable to combine these students in a single, full-time core course program. Grouping these students allows them to advance through the curriculum at a rate commensurate with their abilities and to interact with like ability peers.
PRISM meets the needs of the highly capable student by fostering academic excellence through the challenges of an accelerated, compacted, integrated and enriched curriculum, as well as through the stimulation of working with highly capable peers. Students are encouraged to work both independently and in cooperative groups. The PRISM program is designed to recognize that, despite high intellectual ability, students differ in levels of organizational ability, personal maturity, academic competence, values and family background. PRISM teachers work as a team sharing expertise and knowledge to coordinate and continually develop the curriculum.
GOALS
Ø To provide enriched and accelerated academic opportunities for students with high intellectual and academic abilities.
Ø To offer a rigorous academic curriculum which will prepare students for advanced high school and college courses.
Ø To offer an environment where highly capable students are encouraged to reach their full potential.
Ø To address the social and emotional needs of highly capable students through teacher support, peer interaction and by fostering a sense of community.
Ø To prepare students for future contributions to society and to encourage life-long learning.