Learning Enrichment and Acceleration Program (L.E.A.P.)

Mission Statement

The mission of the Anthony Wayne School LEAP is to:

• Facilitate the development of the gifted child by addressing their unique needs both academically, socially, and emotionally.
• Enhance the academic achievement and motivation of the gifted student by engaging them in an academically enriched and accelerated curriculum structured to meet their needs.
• Give the gifted student the necessary tools to understand and use effective problem solving and decision making strategies to prepare them for a meaningful participation in future endeavors and a global society.
• Allow them the opportunity to interact and learn from their academically and socially similar peers.

What Happens In L.E.A.P.

Students invited to participated in L.E.A.P. spend one full day per week in the L.E.A.P. class. The teacher, certified in gifted education, presents a program in keeping with the student's age and ability. A higher level thinking curriculum based on Ohio's State Content Standards and current educational research is presented, focusing, on accelerated content. The curriculum is designed to include advanced problem solving, research, product design, and projects requiring creativity, individual and group work.

Qualifications For The L.E.A.P. Programs?

An intensive screening process is employed to identify those children eligible to receive gifted services. The State of Ohio and House Bill 282 have set criteria for gifted identification. To meet the state regulated standards, along with the Anthony Wayne gifted plan submitted to the Ohio Department of Education, a student must score a minimum of 130 on a state approved ability test and score a 95% or higher (plus or minus one standard deviation) in the areas of reading, language or math on a state approved achievement test. Recommendations for a testing pool includes the standardized testing results gives to the whole grade groups, parents/guardians, peers, administrators, or other related professionals. This pool usually encompasses the top three to five percent of children in the grade level served.

The gifted coordinator and gifted teachers consider each potential applicant's demonstrated ability to succeed in both the regular classroom and the challenging LEAP classroom.

Placement in the program is limited by law. The maximum number of combined students from all elementary buildings in 15 per class. This combination allows students of similar abilities to interact.

How Is My Child Evaluated?

Students will learn to evaluate themselves on their effort and quality of each project completed in LEAP class. LEAP teachers will also evaluate student on these same projects as well as on quarterly report cards, geared specifically for LEAP. Look for the LEAP grade card inside the regular home school grade card. Parent conferences will also be scheduled for each grade level. Conferences coincide with the district's parent/teacher conference schedule.

If parents need to contact the LEAP teachers at any time to discuss their child's progress or concerns, they may contact their child's teacher at Whitehouse Elementary, 419.877.0543 or Fallen Timbers Middle School 419.877.0601.

Does My Child Need to Re-qualify Every Year?

Students do not need to re-qualify for the program on a yearly basis. Once the student is invited he/she will continue in the program unless a modification is recommended by the teacher and parent.

Students who have been tested, but who have not been selected for participation, may be considered to be re-tested twice a year as stated by Ohio Law. Parents may request reconsideration by contacting Serena Troyan, Coordinator, at 419.877.5377 or lcesc_str@nwoca.org

How Are Parents Informed About Result?

After a Permission to Test form is signed by the parent, further formal testing is completed. Upon completion of test scoring, results are mailed to the to the parents within 30 days of the testing.

Students transferring into the district will be assessed within 90 days of date of transfer if requested by parents.