April 8, 2019 will be a pivotal decision point for Advanced Learning in MMSD. In January 2019, the district Advanced Learning Advisory Committee made a series of 10 recommendations to the district for addressing racial disparities in access to and preparation for advanced coursework in high school. These recommendations were part of a resolution MMSD signed with the Office for Civil Rights in 2016. See MPAL Current Issues for the PDF of these recommendations.
Included in the recommendations was a staffing increase to include 1 full time Advanced Learning Specialist at each elementary and middle school (increase from current 0.5 level). This increase would support building a talent development program focused on helping student from groups currently underrepresented in advanced learning develop advanced academic skills and confidence. This would complement and continue the work to build a comprehensive advanced learning instructional system for students needing challenge beyond grade level expectations.
How the district administration responds to these recommendations will set the course for advanced learning. I expect that a solid investment in AL as an equity strategy and as a priority to keep ALL students challenged in their learning can positively change the trajectory of academic achievement for many students.
Included in the recommendations was a staffing increase to include 1 full time Advanced Learning Specialist at each elementary and middle school (increase from current 0.5 level). This increase would support building a talent development program focused on helping student from groups currently underrepresented in advanced learning develop advanced academic skills and confidence. This would complement and continue the work to build a comprehensive advanced learning instructional system for students needing challenge beyond grade level expectations.
How the district administration responds to these recommendations will set the course for advanced learning. I expect that a solid investment in AL as an equity strategy and as a priority to keep ALL students challenged in their learning can positively change the trajectory of academic achievement for many students.