What Parents Need to Know...
IMSA Excellence (E2K+) 2000+ is an after-school enrichment program for Illinois students who are talented, interested and motivated in mathematics and science. IMSA E2K+ places a special emphasis on students who are historically under-resourced in those areas.
Students attend weekly IMSA E2K+ sessions at their local site. The site may be a single school, a cluster of two or three schools, or a consortium of four or more schools under a single administrative entity. Each site includes the identified students, two teachers and a site coordinator to provide logistical support. The support of the principal or other school administrator is essential to a well functioning team.
In brief, the program goals are: maintain or increase students’ interest, involvement and literacy in science and mathematics; enhance the knowledge and skills of teachers in science, mathematics, and technology; stimulate excellence in schools’ science and mathematics programs; and help increase access to programming for students who are historically under-resourced in science, mathematics and technology and for all areas of the state.
One part of the program is designed to serve up to 20 late elementary students in the 4th or 5th grade; the other part is targeted to serve up to 30 middle level students in grades 6 through 8. Invited students have the opportunity to remain in the program for all five years. In addition to the after school sessions, students also may participate in related field trips and other enrichment activities.
By design, the IMSA E2K+ curriculum is inquiry based, problem centered and integrative. The learning experiences focus on helping students "learn how to learn" and emphasize logic, mathematical thinking and experimental scientific thinking. Topics relate to the students' lives, thereby arousing their curiosity and increasing their motivation to learn in mathematics and science. Teachers from each participating school are supported with on-going professional development for the delivery of the curriculum and use of appropriate pedagogy.
Identifying and Choosing Students
IMSA E2K+ is designed for talented and motivated late elementary and middle level students (4th through 8th grades) who are committed to challenging themselves in mathematics and science. Students should demonstrate an interest in learning, independent thinking, curiosity, and a thirst for knowledge. Students should understand that making a commitment to participate in IMSA E2K+ means ongoing participation until they finish eighth grade.
Criteria for Student Selection
(Based on Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Policy KA)- ISAT scores demonstrate “Meets” or “Exceeds Standards” in mathematics and/or science, or in the top 20% of his or her class academically.
- Student-written statement of his or her interest in the study of mathematics and/or science.
- Teacher recommendation.
- Signed commitment to full participation by both student and parent or guardian.
- Currently a 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th grade-level student.
Process for Student Selection
An application file for each promising student will be compiled (by the site coordinator) with the following information
- Application for Admission (for new students) or Reenrollment Form (for continuing students) including parent permission;
- Student essay indicating interest (new students only);
- Teacher Recommendation Form (new students only);
- Current and last year’s grade reports (new students only);
- ISAT results (new students only).
The IMSA E2K+ site team (2 teachers, coordinator, and principal) selects students from the pool of complete applications. If the number of student applicants is in excess of the maximum class size, the site team members evaluate the completed application files using a protocol to help in the decision-making process.
The site principal or coordinator of the IMSA E2K+ site team informs students and parents of selection decisions.