Frequently Asked Questions About the EIP Program
The overall goal of the Early Intervention Program is to provide additional instructional resources to help learners who are performing below grade level obtain the necessary academic skills to reach grade level performance in the shortest possible time.
How did/does a student become EIP?
A learner's EIP status is determined on a number of factors depending on what grade he/she is entering. Listed below are ways that a learner may qualify for EIP:
*Kindergarten: Learners who are entering Kindergarten for the first time are administered an initial skills checklist. This checklist is comprised of basic school readiness skills in the areas of Language Arts and Mathematics. For example, Kindergartners are screened on knowledge of the letters of the alphabet, basic concepts of print, name recognition and writing, working with numbers, patterns, and shapes. The State of Georgia sets specific scoring guidelines within each area to determine a score that will qualify a learner to be considered EIP.
*Grades 1-2: Learners who are entering First Grade and attended Kindergarten in Georgia, may qualify as EIP by the scores provided on their GKIDS (Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills) assessment that is given during the final months of Kindergarten. For learners entering First Grade that are new to Georgia, he/she may qualify as EIP through any of the following methods:
1. EIP Checklists or Rubric
2. County or Local Assessments
3. RTI (Response to Intervention) Recommendation
4. Any National or State Level Standardized Test Results.
*Grades 3-5: The majority of learners in third grade through fifth grade can be qualified for EIP through the use of GMAS testing data. Learners who do not meet standards in the Reading or Math sections of the GMAS are qualified as EIP. Students who have not taken the GMAS may be qualified for EIP based on results of one of the following:
1. Local Assessments
2. EIP Checklists or Rubrics
3. RTI (Response to Intervention) Recommendation
4. Any National or State Level Standardized Test
What Type of Teacher is an EIP Teacher?
EIP teachers are certified teachers who specialize in using strategies to help meet each learner’s needs where gaps exist in the areas of Reading, Language Arts and Mathematics.
How will I know if my child qualifies for EIP services?
One of the many components of the EIP program is parental involvement. Learners who qualify as EIP will receive a letter home in early September. Parents should read the letter, sign, and return it to school indicating that they are aware of their child's EIP status.
If a learner qualifies for EIP, will they remain in the EIP program for the duration of their school career?
No. Through hard work and diligence in the classroom, your child can exit the EIP program. Your child's EIP status is evaluated yearly. The exit criteria for EIP depends on your child's grade level, but is often centered on the performance on running records, classroom formative and summative assessments, and standardized testing. For Kindergarteners, this would include the GKIDS assessment. For other grades, this may include performance on the MAP assessment, GMAS or other assessment pieces. If a learner is ready to exit the EIP program, a letter will be sent to the parents/guardians stating that reason as well as the best day/time to meet and dialogue about the learner’s success. A final decision is made by the administrative team.