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’s 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 to “push in” to the classroom and collaborate with teachers through CLTs and individual planning sessions. Using this model, gifted identified students are placed in Gifted Cluster classrooms with intellectual peers. The classroom teacher, with the support of the Advanced Academics Coach, is the primary provider for Gifted Services. Advantages of this model include:

Students have intellectual peers necessary for academic and social development all day
Students have more access to gifted curriculum and/or strategies in their classroom
Non-identified students who also need challenges will have the opportunity to attempt advanced curriculum or strategies
Lessons or activities in a “pull-out” setting are not necessary
Advanced Academics Coach can monitor students that should be assessed for eligibility for gifted services.

Advanced Academics Coach Roles and Responsibilities

Regularly 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’s Critical and Creative Thinking Strategies)
Promote differentiation practices throughout the school
Manage gifted and talented screening process and evaluation
Facilitate professional development for teachers

For more information about Arlington Public Schools’ full plan for Gifted Services, please review: https://www.apsva.us/gifted-services/. For frequently asked questions, please review: https://www.apsva.us/gifted-services/frequently-asked-questions-faq/. If you have school-specific questions, or if you would like to learn more about differentiation, growth mindset practices, and gifted services in our building, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at ashley.burt@apsva.us

Classroom Teacher's Roles and Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Advanced Academics Coach to provide differentiated curriculum, extension opportunities, and supplemental curriculum resources
Plan units and lessons to meet the learning needs of students eligible for gifted services
Coordinate instructional needs of all learners in the classroom
Keep open communication with the Advanced Academics Coach about students that may need to be screened for gifted services.