ADvANCED LEARNING
What is Advanced LEarning?
Advanced learning takes a broader approach compared to traditional Talented and Gifted (TAG) education by focusing on which students at any grade level in any subject could benefit from instruction beyond grade level standards. This includes students already exhibiting high levels of achievement and students with the potential to achieve more highly if provided the learning opportunities and support to do so.
Advanced learning in the K-8 grades is a critical building block for later access to and success in advanced opportunities in high school, college and the professional workforce.
Yet instruction beyond grade level standards for students who could benefit may be given little thought or attention if schools believe these students will be fine learning on their own due to their academic skills. Intently focused on getting all students across the proficiency line, schools districts rarely have considered what needs to happen for students to learn something new each day in a meaningful way once they reach proficiency standards.
Advanced Learning can change the negative perception that has plagued Talented and Gifted (TAG) education as only pertaining to a very small number of the highest achieving students. High expectations for all students paired with systematic and continuous advanced instruction for students ready to learn beyond grade level standards will allow more students to achieve at higher academic levels.
In 2014-15, almost 20% of all Madison K-8 students were identified as an Advanced Learner in a specific academic subject, the arts, leadership, creativity or general intellectual. Matching these talents with appropriately challenging instruction and learning opportunities is essential for these students to continue to grow in their learning. Additionally, identifying and supporting students from underrepresented groups is essential for increasing both the number and diversity of students accessing advanced learning.
In Madison high schools, students self select into advanced coursework at all grade levels, providing opportunities for high level academic challenge in every subject and student interest area. Honors and Advanced Placement courses can provide challenge at the level advanced learners need to successfully prepare for either college or career options. Further access to university and college level coursework can be available for students ready to move beyond what the high schools offer.
Advanced learning in the K-8 grades is a critical building block for later access to and success in advanced opportunities in high school, college and the professional workforce.
Yet instruction beyond grade level standards for students who could benefit may be given little thought or attention if schools believe these students will be fine learning on their own due to their academic skills. Intently focused on getting all students across the proficiency line, schools districts rarely have considered what needs to happen for students to learn something new each day in a meaningful way once they reach proficiency standards.
Advanced Learning can change the negative perception that has plagued Talented and Gifted (TAG) education as only pertaining to a very small number of the highest achieving students. High expectations for all students paired with systematic and continuous advanced instruction for students ready to learn beyond grade level standards will allow more students to achieve at higher academic levels.
In 2014-15, almost 20% of all Madison K-8 students were identified as an Advanced Learner in a specific academic subject, the arts, leadership, creativity or general intellectual. Matching these talents with appropriately challenging instruction and learning opportunities is essential for these students to continue to grow in their learning. Additionally, identifying and supporting students from underrepresented groups is essential for increasing both the number and diversity of students accessing advanced learning.
In Madison high schools, students self select into advanced coursework at all grade levels, providing opportunities for high level academic challenge in every subject and student interest area. Honors and Advanced Placement courses can provide challenge at the level advanced learners need to successfully prepare for either college or career options. Further access to university and college level coursework can be available for students ready to move beyond what the high schools offer.
Ready to learn more?
Navigate our site by using the buttons below or the menu under the Advanced Learning tab above.
Navigate our site by using the buttons below or the menu under the Advanced Learning tab above.