Accelerated Learning Program for Students (ALPS)

Definition of Accelerated Learners

Accelerated learners are students who demonstrate high ability, motivation, and creativity. These students display the interaction of the three interlocking clusters of traits that is the necessary ingredient for original and productive student accomplishment (adapted from Renzulli and Reis, The Three Ring Conception of Giftedness).

Program Goals

The program will provide a wide variety of interdisciplinary and integrated educational opportunities and services to students exhibiting the interaction of the three clusters of high ability, motivation, and creativity. Individual schools in alignment with the district plan will determine the type and extent of these services. The goals of these opportunities and services are:

To support instruction in the district schools through the development of topical thematic units and the analysis of a wide variety of literary genres related to grade level concepts
To engage in advanced process skills such as reading, writing, thinking, speaking, math problem-solving, and executing research to create a variety of high quality products reflecting the multiple intelligences of students
To develop competence in the social studies disciplines of history, geography, sociology, archaeology, and philosophy through the use of process skills
To stimulate the exploration of science knowledge and to nurture the use of the scientific method as a lifelong learning skill
To foster the acquisition and appropriate and frequent use of complex vocabulary in written and oral expression
To demonstrate competence in writing for a variety of authentic purposes
To provide information and support that encourages the pursuit and development of individual interests and talents outside of the academic setting

Learn more about student identification and the clusters.

ALPS units are designed to be higher-level enrichments units.

ALPS Program FAQ

What is the goal of the Accelerated Learning Program for Students (ALPS) program?

How are students identified for ALPS?

In grades 3-5, student data is organized in a district-wide matrix for ALPS identification. This includes each child's cognitive ability and achievement. Students who qualify for ALPS will demonstrate a cognitive ability score of 120 or higher (one standard deviation above the norm on the CogAt test administered to all students in spring of 2nd grade and fall of 5th grade) and score in the top 80% of local achievement tests. This demonstrates a need for differentiation beyond that of the normal grade-level curriculum.

When are students identified for ALPS?

Beginning in 3rd grade, students are identified for ALPS placement. Additionally any new students may be tested for ALPS after NWEA MAP Reading results are reviewed. In the spring, ALPS teachers will consider teacher recommendations, as well as recent test scores, to identify students for participation in ALPS for the following school year. Academic enrichment is provided on a flexible basis for students in 1st and 2nd grade based upon current bench marking scores.

What is the process of ALPS identification?

ALPS teachers will complete a review of a recommended student’s previous testing scores, such as CogAt, NWEA MAP Reading, and other assessments. If the student’s scores suggest they may qualify for ALPS, further testing may be administered. Teachers will be asked to complete a recommendation questionnaire, which will be added to their file as a reference for placement. If a student completes the testing and qualifies for ALPS, the student will join the ALPS class in the fall.

If a student doesn’t qualify, will they have a chance to qualify later?

Once a student qualifies for ALPS, will they participate every year?

Most likely, once a student qualifies for ALPS, they will remain in the program through fifth grade. If a teacher is concerned about his/her participation in ALPS, or if the teacher feels it is affecting the student’s ability to keep up with classroom work, it is recommended that the classroom teacher discuss any concerns/issues with the ALPS teacher and the student’s parents. It may be appropriate to give the student a break from ALPS or reassess his/her participation if he/she cannot keep up with the classroom work.

How often do students attend ALPS?

Do Palos South students attend ALPS?

What is the core curriculum for the ALPS Program?

ALPS curriculum consists of research-based, interdisciplinary science and social studies units designed for gifted and talented students. All units align with the Illinois Learning Standards for English Language Arts, Science, and/or Social Studies. Units are designed to engage students in real-world, meaningful learning experiences that help students develop lifelong skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, creativity and innovation, oral and written communication, collaboration, information and technology literacy, and leadership, all which are needed for continued success in the 21^st century.

Does ALPS continue at Palos South?

Will my child be re-evaluated at the end of 5th grade?

What is the process for ALPS identification at Palos South?

At the middle school, students are ranked using Z-scores to determine the top 5% of the grade level. Students' CogAt and NWEA MAP reading scores are used in order to determine the Z-score. Most successful candidates will have a minimum Verbal CogAT score of 120 and MAP reading scores at the 92nd local percentile or higher. Students whose scores do not quite meet these criteria but who have a strong teacher recommendation may be further assessed and evaluated.

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