Deeper and Wider

As a parent involved in the GATE program at Rucker, I am often asked "What's so special about Rucker?" Well, here is a good example: Yesterday I attended a meeting in Janice Krahenbuhl's 3rd grade classroom. It seems that the majority of her students have not only mastered 3rd grade spelling, but have also mastered 4th, 5th and 6th grade spelling as well. Rather than begin them on 7th grade spelling, Janice has decided to start them on an expanded vocabulary curriculum.

Because the Rucker GATE program caters to a classroom of all (or nearly all) gifted students, they are able to move through more of the curriculum (wider) and then spend more time going into details (deeper). This is a distinct advantage over other forms of GATE instruction offered in the district, and this is why the parents in the program love it so much. I'm aware that 'tracked' programs are out of favor, but when a program carries as many advantages as this one does, it is hard to argue that it should be ended simply because it seems 'elitist' to someone.

Hopefully with the new identification process in place, there will be renewed interest in the program at Rucker. GUSD makes decisions based on parent interest (or at least perceived parent interest), so it is important to the future of the program to keep enrollement up.