The Department of Teaching and Learning oversees Language Arts and Math advanced academic services for students in grades 3 through 8. Advanced Academic services include both Challenge and Advanced classes.

Philosophy:

• The Advanced Academic Team does not subscribe to the outdated notion of giftedness.  Rather, the team identifies students who NEED a different curriculum. With all the data, we answer the primary question: “Does this student NEED a different curriculum above and beyond the core curriculum including classroom differentiation?” 
• The overarching goal is to match instruction with the students’ current levels of mastery in language arts and math. 
• All students are screened every year, and in order to be culturally responsive, the team reviews the screening and identification process to assure it's equitable.  Follow-up procedures are in place to gather additional data when needed.  
• Identification of students for Challenge and Advanced classes is accomplished using a team approach so no decisions are made in isolation. 

If you have any questions about the advanced program, please contact Victoria Kieffer, PhD at 847-596-5620.