Delivery of Services

Advanced learners need opportunities to think abstractly, work at various rates and levels of complexity, and pursue tasks independently. In addition, students eligible for advanced academics need opportunities to learn with others of like abilities, as well as opportunities to develop socio-emotionally. APS Advanced Academics and Talent Development services are implemented through school-based and countywide activities, which comply with School Board and State objectives. These school-based services are delivered in the following ways:

APS Advanced Academics and Talent Development model in which the classroom teacher works with the Advanced Academics Coach (AAC) to develop and present appropriately differentiated learning experiences for advanced learners within the general education classroom.

In the general education classroom setting, identified students are cluster-grouped (minimum of 5 – 8) and through a variety of flexible groupings based on ongoing data.

Identified students work with teachers who are specifically trained in instructional needs of and curriculum written for advanced learners.

Specific curricula which are differentiated or extended from concepts in the general education curriculum, and when appropriate, through opportunities for acceleration and extension.

The Gifted Cluster Model

The Gifted Cluster model provides services to identified students by allowing the Advanced Academics Coach (AAC) to “push in” to the classroom and collaborate with teachers through CLTs and individual planning sessions. Using this model, identified students are placed in Gifted Cluster classrooms with intellectual peers. The classroom teacher, with the support of the AAC, is the primary provider for advanced academics.Advantages of this model include…

Students have intellectual peers necessary for academic and social development all day
Students have more access to advanced curriculum and/or strategies in their classroom
Non-identified students who also need challenges will have the opportunity to try out advanced curriculum or strategies
AACs can monitor students that should be assessed for eligibility for advanced academics

AAC Roles and Responsibilities

The Advanced Academics Coach (AAC):

Collaborate and co-plan with teachers
Extend and deepen student learning through higher level discussion, rich content, and high expectations
Provide supplemental resources
Model lessons, co-instruct, or facilitate lessons
Coaching best practices instructional strategies (i.e. APS’ K-12 Critical Thinking Strategies)
Facilitate book clubs and extension projects
Promote differentiation practices throughout the school
Manage advanced academics and talented development screening process and evaluation
Facilitate professional development for teachers

Classroom Teacher's Role and Responsibilities

Collaborate with the AAC to provide differentiated curriculum, extension opportunities, and supplemental curriculum resources
Plan units and lessons to meet the learning needs of students eligible for advanced academics
Coordinate instructional needs of all learners in the classroom
Keep open communication with AAC on students that may need to be screened for advanced academics