Advanced Learners

Vision

All students recognize and develop their talents as a result of enrichment and appropriately challenging learning opportunities.

Beliefs

All students at all ages have relative talent strengths, and schools should help them identify, develop and understand their own special abilities.
The development of ability or talent is a lifelong process requiring effort and support.
Schools can and should be places for developing the talents of all students.
Advanced learners demonstrate outstanding achievement or show potential for high levels of accomplishment relative to others of similar age, experience, and environment.
Advanced learners have cognitive and affective needs requiring differentiated and challenging educational programs/services beyond those provided in the general education program.
Advanced learners represent the diverse populations of our communities, and can be identified throughout their PK-12 program to provide the appropriate instruction and support for continuous growth.

Our Commitments

Providing opportunities for all children to develop and demonstrate advanced learning behaviors, including children from groups underrepresented in advanced programs.
Building a profile of student strengths which can be used to document the need for differentiated curriculum and instruction.
Identifying advanced learners for the purpose of providing appropriate instruction and support which meet these students’ unique academic and social/emotional needs.
Building the capacity of MPS teachers, leaders, and families to recognize, nurture and accelerate talent development.
Aligning our program with the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) PK-12 Gifted Program Standards.

Advanced Learner Services at a Glance

Grades K-3: Leveled Reading, Math & Spelling Groups

Grades 4-5: Advanced Math Pathways, Independent Projects