Advanced Learner Programs (ALPs)

A new and exciting program is being launched for advanced learners in elementary school.  Known as ALPs, it engages students who demonstrate readiness for curriculum two or more grade levels above age expectation.  In math, the grade level curriculum is “compacted,” meaning that skills and concepts already mastered are not repeated and those yet to be mastered are covered at an accelerated pace.  During the majority of instructional time, students work with Mentoring Mathematical Minds or M³, a mathematics curriculum designed for advanced learners that focuses on critical thinking and creative problem solving. 

Advanced Learner Programs in language arts incorporate the William and Mary literature units, Open Court Classics Series, Touchpebbles Discussion Project, advanced application of Write Traits, and advanced novel studies.  Multi-subject programs which engage students in interdisciplinary inquiry are also being introduced.

The cornerstone of the Talent Development Program is differentiating and accelerating instruction for students with advanced academic needs in the areas of language arts and/or mathematics. The teacher modifies content, process, and/or product of Anne Arundel County curriculum according to student readiness, interest, and/or learning style.  Students may participate in activities that simulate real world problems, address multiple perspectives, and result in the development of authentic products.  Additionally, the Talent Development Program provides resources to support individual student’s unique interests and talents.

The Talent Development teacher and classroom teacher plan together to differentiate and accelerate learning activities that enrich the county curriculum.

 

• Co-Teaching and Follow-Up:

The Talent Development teacher and the classroom teacher deliver instruction together.  They may work with the whole class or with smaller groups,  within the classroom or in alternative settings. To follow-up, the Talent Development teacher and classroom teacher monitor student learning, evaluate student work and determine the course of future instruction.

• Direct Service:

The Talent Development teacher supports independent study, projects, and competitions with individual and small groups.

The Talent Development teacher also provides resources, analyzes data on student performance and potential, facilitates student participation in adjunct programs and competitions, and promotes community awareness of Talent Development initiatives and progress.

Primary Talent Development

The Gifted/Talented/Advanced Programs Office, in partnership with the Early Childhood Office and the Elementary Reading Office created the Primary Talent Development (PTD) Project.  The goal of the project is to expose every kindergarten student, to high level literature and literature-based discussions.  These discussions have been designed to move students from literal to critical understanding of text.

Elementary Identification

Students participate in the Talent Development Program based upon a variety of criteria:  formal and informal pre-assessments, observation of academic behavior, and examination of student work.  Flexible grouping allows for students to move fluidly in and out of Talent Development groups/activities.  The make-up of a student group working directly with the Talent Development teacher may change with the unit or the skill being taught.

Additionally, all second graders are screened to identify advanced academic achievement and potential.  Two standardized tests, the Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test (NNAT) and a nationally-normed achievement test are administered.  Students scoring in advanced ranges are closely monitored by the Talent Development and classroom teacher.