ACCESS Academy Alternative ProgramMission and Beliefs
Mission Statement
The ACCESS Alternative Program is committed to developing a learning environment so gifted children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. It promotes a lifelong love of learning to become full and productive participants in our rapidly changing global community.
ACCESS
Accelerated curriculum;
Cultivation and development of skills, abilities, and creativity;
Character and social development;
Exploration and personal discovery;
Self-directed, self-paced challenges toward excellence;
Service to the community and society with tolerance and wisdom.
About Us
ACCESS is located at Sabin School in Northeast Portland, near NE 18th and Fremont.
ACCESS is grades 1 through 8, while Sabin is grades PreK through grade 8.
ACCESS serves the needs of students who have a high degree of asynchrony between subjects. Both the abilities and needs of the candidate are considered during the application process.
ACCESS accepts applications from students in the Portland Metropolitan area. The admission process complies with all federal and state statutes and regulations.
ACCESS Admissions Criteria
ACCESS admits highly capable students who perform at the 99th percentile on nationally normed tests for aptitude and/or achievement in any or all of the following areas: reading, math, or general intellect. The program is suitable for students who have exceeded all or most benchmarks.
Accelerated Curriculum & Enrichment
The program curriculum covers the "scope and sequence" requirements of Portland Public Schools, along with instructional strategies and curriculum considered "best practice" in working with highly capable students. The curriculum is taught at an accelerated pace to meet the needs of students who have exceeded all or most benchmarks.
ACCESS provides enrichment in classrooms throughout the day, as well as through specific activities, such as student participation in National Geographic Bee, National Spelling Bee, Oregon Writing Festival, American Math Competition, Middle School Science Bowl, Northwest Science Expo, and Chess for Success.
Program Curriculum
Curriculum is in two formats: Grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are self-contained; Grades 6 through 8 are rotational: Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Students in grades 2-5 rotate daily between Wellness, Art, Drama, and Library, while students in grades 6-8 receive Wellness and Spanish every day.
Math for grades 6 through 8, is taught through Algebra 3-4. Students needing to continue after Algebra 3-4 may enroll at Grant HS.
English and Social Studies for grades 6 through 8, is taught through the Freshman high school level (grade 9). Emphasis is on writing and analysis.
Students may receive high school credit while in elementary or middle school.
Unique Program Opportunities
Education with intellectual peers
Grouped by instructional level in core subjects
Students work at an accelerated pace (one to two years above grade level)
Opportunity for independent study and research
Students may earn high school credit for high school-level coursework
ACCESS @Sabin students matriculate automatically to Grant High School and remain as a cohort throughout their four years in high school
Statistic and test scores
Report cards and AYP Scores
School Enrollment and Program Data
Assessment Test Results
Course Syllabus
2010-11 ACCESS Course Syllabus
