Professor's James Borland's study on elementary schools' Sleuth program found it enrolled too many students, had little connection to the primary curricula, and affected non-participants' self-esteem.  As a result, Sleuth will be phased out of schools in the Katonah-Lewisboro (New York) school district over the next two years.

Sleuth is designed for academically advanced students, but Borland, chair of the Department of Curriculum and Teaching, said enrolling 19 percent of students in third through fifth grades is too many for it to be considered a "smart kids" program.  He further added that Sleuth activities like mock trials were unrelated to other subjects.  Borland recommended it be considered a special education class and "not an honor society," and for its enrollment be reduced by 50 percent. 

The article, entitled "Katonah-Lewisboro Enrichmnet Program to Be Phased Out," appeared in the November 21 edition of The Journal News.

Published Friday, Dec. 3, 2004