History of the Walla Walla Explorer program

In the fall of 1977, school district officials appointed a committee consisting of 16 district employees and five community members to study and make a recommendation regarding gifted education. In May of 1978, a recommendation was made for a pull-out program for gifted students, targeting students in grades four and five with subsequent expansion to other grade levels.

The Board of Directors approved the recommendation and in October of 1978, a teacher was hired to develop an appropriate curriculum and a process for selecting gifted students. By January of 1979, a total of 42 students were attending two half-day classes per week.

The curriculum focused on science, writing and creative thinking so that these students could learn without duplicating their regular class work. The Explorer teacher worked with assistance from and advisory committee consisting of staff and community members.

By September 1979, a second teacher had been hired and the classes were expanded to include grades three and six. During the 1980-81 school year, 73 students in grades three through six were enrolled in the program. Mathematics was added as a major program emphasis for grades three through five.

During the 1983-84 school year, the Explorer teachers taught a junior high school class in the early mornings, in addition to the elementary classes.

The 1984-85 year started with 81 students in grades three through eight, and the same format as the previous year. The district appointed a committee to review the selection process. This resulted in a two-stage selection, based on both ability and achievement test scores, in keeping with new state guidelines.

During the 1991-92 school year, the Explorer program was involved in a comprehensive review conducted by Dr. James Borland (Teachers College, Columbia University) and Ms. Paula Fascilla (OSPI). As a result of the review, students in grades seven and eight meet together as part of the daily schedule at each middle school. Grade six students then attended classes together at Garrison Middle School. During the 2006-2007 school year the program was adjusted so that middle school students attended Explorer classes at their respective middle schools.

Enrollment has grown in the program over the years, averaging around 130 students in grades three through eight.