Pre-IB Frequently
Asked Questions
What is
the PIB program at Robinson Middle School?
The PIB program is a rigorous academic
program of study that emphasizes the relationship of the student with
the community and the world. It is designed for intrinsically motivated
students who prefer a more demanding curriculum including foreign
language, in-depth research, and advanced math, science, social studies
and language arts.
How do you get
accepted into the PIB program?
Applications are available at Robinson or on the
PIB website on
January 3, 2008. Complete the application and return to Robinson by
March 7, 2008. The student comes to Robinson on one of two Saturdays to
complete math, reading, and writing tests. The selection process
includes the results of these tests, elementary test results, and
teacher recommendations. Letters are mailed to everyone who applies by
the end of February.
3. Why
is the PIB a better program than what is offered at other middle
schools?
The PIB at Robinson is a choice among many
good choices – it’s not better or worse. Our program is not for every
student. Students in the PIB should be intrinsically motivated students
who want a rigorous curriculum and who work hard to attain their goals.
4 What is
covered on the assessments?
There is a math assessment that covers
basic math facts and pre-algebra skills. The second math assessment is a
math diagnostic assessment. The students also will write an essay from a
prompt, which is rated using the ARG 6-trait rubric. Students will take
a reading assessment with multiple choice questions.
5. What if I
can’t make it on the assessment dates?
We schedule only two assessment dates on
two consecutive Saturdays, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
With proper planning we hope your schedules will allow time for you to
complete the assessments. No one will be allowed to take the test if
they are late, and no make up dates will be scheduled.
6. How many
students attend Robinson? How many are in the PIB?
There are 700 students at Robinson this
year. The PIB program has 80-90 students per grade level with a total of
260 PIB students in the building, or 1/3 of the school.
7. How many
students apply for the PIB program?
Over 200 students apply for approximately
85 places in the 6th grade PIB.
8. Are we able
to visit the school before we make a decision?
Students may attend class or parents and
students may tour the building. There are three days, February 28, March
4, 5, where students can shadow PIB students and attend class for part
of the school day and take a tour from 9:45-11:30 or from 1:15-3:00.
These will be scheduled in the Robinson office at 973-8600 in February.
On these same three days parents and students may choose to tour the
building with a current PIB student between the hours of 8:15-2:30. This
will also be scheduled through the office.
9. What
requirements are there in the PIB?
The PIB students must participate in a
personal research project all three years. They also are required to
complete community service. The curriculum requires them to take three
years of foreign language and maintain a GPA of 2.5 in 6th
grade, 2.75 in 7th grade, and 3.0 in 8th grade.
The PIB students, just like the other Robinson students, must follow all
school rules and procedures.
1
What
happens to students who do not meet the requirements?
They will be placed on probation and an
educational intervention plan written to help them be successful. If
they still don’t meet the requirements, they will be asked to leave the
PIB program and return to their base school.
1 Is
transportation provided?
Yes, if you live at least 2 ½ miles from
Robinson, and you live within USD 259 boundaries.
1 Is there a
difference between gifted and PIB?
Yes, they are not the same. You do not
have to be gifted to be accepted into PIB; the reverse is also true.
Teachers provide gifted services to gifted students, based on their
IEP’s. If a student is gifted and in PIB, he/she will take their
language arts and math classes with other gifted students with a teacher
certified in gifted education.
1 If my
son/daughter takes the test for PIB, when will I know if he/she has been
accepted?
Your child will be notified by mail by the
end of March 2008 whether or not he/she has been accepted into the PIB program.
1 If my child
is not accepted into the PIB program, can he/she go to another magnet
middle school?
Yes, you can apply through the magnet
office for other magnet school options and apply for the Robinson
PIB program. Robinson notifies the magnet office before the deadline for
the other magnet schools so if your student is not accepted into the PIB,
he/she can still have the option available for other magnet middle
schools.
1 What if my child is in 6th
or 7th grade this year? Can he/she still apply for the PIB
program?
Yes. We may not know if there
is space available until the end of the year. You will be notified by
mail in May if there is space for the 7th and 8th
grade PIB classes.
|
