ADVANCED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Mathematics Education for Gifted Secondary School Students (MEGSSS)
 

How can my child participate in the MEGSSS program?

MEGSSS is a highly accelerated and enriched program designed for students identified as superior in mathematical and verbal reasoning in grades 6 - 12.

How does the curriculum differ from Advanced Academic Program math?

The MEGSSS curriculum provides a differentiated and highly accelerated course of study for the mathematically gifted student. The curriculum is specified in Richland County School District One's MEGSS curriculum guides and includes a formal introduction to college-level logic, probability, and number theory, as well as traditional approaches to algebra, geometry, and calculus. Opportunities for Advanced Placement and dual credit college courses are available to MEGSSS students in grades 10, 11, and 12.

Who should be given the battery of MEGSSS qualifying tests?

1. All fifth grade students who are currently enrolled in the Advanced Academic Program (AAP math class) will be administered the battery of MEGSSS prescreening tests.
2. Parents, teachers, and/or administrators can nominate any fifth grade student to take the prescreening subtests for the MEGSSS program.
3. The battery of MEGSSS tests are given to fifth grade students only.
4. Testing will be conducted at each elementary school in the district. Parents will be notified of the testing dates prior to testing.
5. After the scores have been analyzed, a letter will be sent to all parents notifying them whether or not their child has met the criteria to participate in the MEGSSS program.

How can my child participate in the MEGSSS program?

Selection criteria is based on prescreening reading and math achievement scores, as well as teacher, administrator, or parent nominations. Qualifying or nominated student candidates complete a battery of four tests which are used for determining potential MEGSSS students. Only students who have met one of the following criteria are eligible to participate in the MEGSSS program:

• A minimum 450 composite score on the battery of MEGSSS tests

  MEGSSS Special Problems Tests
  Math Applications Test
  Math portion of PSAT
  Watson-Glaser Critical
  Thinking Skills

  or

  A minimum “35” on the Math portion of PSAT

  or

  “Advanced” on the Math portion of the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Tests (PACT), grade 4 or grade 5.