Academics

Students Accelerating In Learning (SAIL) Program

West Ottawa Public Schools’ SAIL Program meets the needs of the academically advanced student. This program services students who are advanced a year or more above in their grade level in the area of language arts. Students receive 75 minutes of language arts instruction daily in this pull out program. During this instructional time, students participate in challenging reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities that incorporate grade level and above grade level skills. Critical thinking is promoted to empower students to challenge themselves. Students are also involved regularly in project based learning projects that allow them to apply their learning to real world issues, practice and perfect communication skills, and share their love of learning with others in the community.

This program is offered at all West Ottawa elementary schools.

SAIL kids love reading and writing!
Quinton, age 8

We are thrilled with the SAIL program! It really seems to be meeting the English Language Arts needs of both our girls. We feel like we’ve already seen growth this year.
Parent of second and fifth grade students

My son has truly developed an interest in SAIL Program writing, although initially it was his most prominent weakness.
Parent of a SAIL student

FAQWant to learn more about this program?

Click on the headlines below to learn more about specific components of the SAIL program. You may also reach out to your child’s elementary school principal with specific questions or enrollment.

Components of the Program

Kindergarten through second grade students identified as potential candidates for the SAIL program in the future work with the SAIL teacher during small group instruction and are given advanced curriculum opportunities within their classroom.

Third through fifth grade students identified for the SAIL program participate in an extensive pull-out program during the English Language Arts portion of their day. Weekly homework is accommodated to meet their advanced needs. Self-interest projects are assigned for students to complete, giving them numerous opportunities to apply their advanced skills and knowledge.

Criteria for Consideration

Students will be considered for the SAIL program based on the following criteria:

A Running Record score of one year above the child’s grade level entering in the fall
A teacher-completed rubric and recommendations by current teacher
A writing sample which is assessed using above grade level criteria
A completed parent questionnaire

Yearly Language Arts Goals

The Yearly Language Arts Goals of SAIL are:

SAIL students will increase their knowledge of a variety of literature genres as well as master many reading strategies.
SAIL students will write reflecting a variety of writing modes as well as master many traits of quality writing.
SAIL students will expand their enjoyment of the process of reading and writing.
SAIL students will have many opportunities for peer leadership and coaching roles.
SAIL students will have many opportunities to practice and perfect communication skills in large and small group settings.
SAIL students will participate in service projects to share their love of literature with others in the community.