However, skills and concepts reinforce the curriculum frameworks at each grade level. PEP activities are typically more process than product oriented and require students to think and produce over an extended period of time. There is also an emphasis on being able to communicate about the strategies and thinking processes used in approaching and solving the problem. This can be difficult for students who are accustomed to finding the answer quickly. We often design, build, discuss, program, experiment, perform and move around.
PEP is sloppy, fun and challenging all at the same time.
Students do not need to requalify for the PEP program each year. The criteria for admission include two standardized test scores, two teacher appraisals and two results from an individually administered intelligence test. All students in the third through fifth grades are reevaluated each year. The important consideration for PEP students and parents is that classroom work comes first. The PEP program is for high-achieving gifted students.