The Excellence in Youth (EY) Program at Westside Community Schools provides expanded learning opportunities for students with high ability, in addition to fostering and encouraging talent development in all students.

The EY Blog is the hub of communication for the EY Team. Weekly challenges, mini sparks, badges, contests, as well as other learning opportunities are posted to the blog on a regular basis. All students are encouraged to participate in the opportunities posted, regardless of whether they have been identified for the EY Program. In addition to the opportunities listed on the blog, classroom teachers differentiate by allowing voice and choice when it comes to how students demonstrate their learning.

Though the overall EY Program continues to evolve into a K-12 service, the more formal emphasis is on students in grades third through eight. As students advance to the high school level, their abilities are challenged through a wide variety of course selections and individual experiences. Some of these opportunities include advanced placement courses, college courses, and externships.

All students are encouraged to participate in the enrichment opportunities made available by the EY Team. Some students are identified as needing extra intervention and to identify these students, we look at MAP test data and the Otis Lennon Aptitude Test. Once the data has been collected, the level of service is determined based on the student’s needs. Students who are identified for the EY Program receive whole and small-group interventions in the classroom, as well as pull-out services provided by the EY Coordinator.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE EY BLOG!