Frequently Asked Questions
How do students enroll in this program?
Referrals are made through the student's elementary school's School Based Team. All referrals are reviewed by a Screening Committee.
What is the criteria for gifted?
One or more of the following:
-
Psychological Assessment
-
Insight testing
-
Referral from a School-based Team
A student does not need a formal Gifted (P) designation in order to participate in the program; however, he/she should demonstrate strong evidence of gifted traits as assessed by the school-based team.
Does the MACC program offer PE, French, and Fine Arts curriculum?
Yes, there are regularly scheduled PE classes, Fine Arts and French classes in MACC
Doesn't Autonomous Learning mean the kids do whatever they want?
AL does not mean students do whatever they want and chaos ensues. Classes that support AL are highly structured learning environments where students are given reasonable choices around their learning. Teachers provide structure through clear information about what is expected and how students can realize those expectations.
In the MACC class, it is expected that students will participate fully in all aspects of the program.
Please see the Autonomous Learning section and the Parent Page: Supporting AL at home for more details.
What is an IEP?
Individualized Education Plan, every MACC student has one. The students work with teacher and parents to write an IEP. This document details the students' objectives for the year.
Can I apply to a specific school?
No, when a student applies for MACC they are placed in the school that has an opening for thier age group with a preference given to the closest school to their home address.
What about the Science and Social Studies curriculum, when do the students learn the regular curriculum?
This is a program for highly gifted students, the regular curriculum is not challenging enough for these students. Students can, and often already have, covered the content on their own in a short amount of time. Throughout the year, teachers will offer short units on various science and Social Studies themes based on student interest. The MACC program also challenges the students by encouraging and fostering opportunities for the students to see out their own enrichment on any topic that interests them.
Students looking for science enrichment are also encouraged to take part in UBC's annual Let's Talk Science challenge.
