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Welcome to Advanced Academics at Nottingham Elementary School! Please take a look through the helpful links in the menu on the left to discover more about what Nottingham has to offer our growing scholars. Arlington Public Schools is dedicated to maximizing the strengths and potential of all students so they may become self-confident, well-rounded, responsible and productive citizens. Many 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 social relationships with others of all abilities. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Delivery of ServicesAdvanced 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 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 10-15) and through a variety of flexible groupings based on ongoing data.

• Identified students work with teachers who are specifically trained in the instructional needs of advanced learners and use 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 Advanced Academics Cluster Model

The Advanced Academics Cluster Model provides services to identified students by allowing the 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 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 of advanced academics services

AAC Roles and Responsibilities

•  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 the screening and evaluation process
• Facilitate professional development for teachers

For more information about Arlington Public Schools’ full plan for Advanced Academics, 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 Advanced Academics in our building, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at ryan.vanvalen@apsva.us.

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 services
• 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.

Identification Process

Each year, the total population of our school is screened by school staff to create a pool of highly able candidates based on students’ participation and performance in various academic and arts activities. The eligibility process is formal: We review all test scores following standardized testing, and scholastic academic performance. The eligibility process is also informal: We note students’ competitions, awards, honors, and participation in school events.

Referrals for Advanced Academics

Students may be referred for services by their classroom teacher, school personnel, parents/guardians, community leaders, and self or other students until April 1 for the current school year.  A referral form must be filled out and given to the Advanced Academics Coach (AAC). Referral Form also available in Spanish, Bengali, Amharic, Mongolian, and Arabic. Please note: any student who is in the automatic screening pool due to ability test scores (120 and higher), like the NNAT or CogAT, does not need a referral form. Students may be referred once during the academic school year. Typically this happens in the winter/spring unless student is new to APS. During this once a year referral process, a holistic case study approach is used to examine data from multiple areas of strength to determine eligibility in the following areas –

Areas of Gifted Services Identification

• Specific Academic Aptitude:
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies
• Visual or Performing Arts (Grades 3 and up):
  • Visual Arts
  • Music

Eligibility Criteria

• Advanced Academics in Specific Academic Areas
• Standardized Testing Information
• Teacher Checklist on Observations of Academic Behaviors
• Grades/Academic Performance
• Student Products
• Parent Information

Definition of a Gifted Student from the Virginia Plan:

• “These students possess talents and abilities that differ from those of their peers to such a degree that differentiated educational programs should be provided to nurture their growth and development.”
• “The identification of these students is based on the premise that they need and can benefit from specifically planned educational services different from those provided by the general educational experience.”

An Appeals Process is available to families following the eligibility process. Appeal begins at the school level with the principal. Second level of appeals is a county-wide Advanced Academics Administrative Appeals Committee.