The Special Interest Program at NMS provides enrichment opportunities for students who have been identified as gifted and who have Gifted Individualized Education Plans in place. In this program, students are able to explore and discuss topics beyond the content of their regular courses; additionally, the students may more thoroughly examine subjects about which they have already learned. As such, S.I.P. activities foster higher-level thinking, research, and in-depth discussion. Furthermore, the S.I.P. classroom allows for students with similar interests and abilities to interact and collaborate more purposefully in a smaller environment.
S.I.P. students will engage in both short-term and long-term tasks that may culminate in independent projects. Student interest and choice are valuable aspects of these projects, and class time is provided for students to engage in the activities. Of course, students are always encouraged to continue learning beyond the classroom.
Rubrics will often be utilized to both guide students in regard to specific goals for tasks, as well as to provide specific feedback and points of discussion for the student and teacher.
