Learning Plans & Options

Each formally identified gifted student will have an Advanced Learning Plan. The plan will document the student’s strength areas and set goals for academic and affective (social/emotional) growth. This plan will also document the programming in place to meet the student's needs. These plans are developed and reviewed annually with input from the teacher, student, parent, and gifted specialist.

What is an ALP?
An ALP, or Advanced Learning Plan, is a legal document [22-20-R-1200, C.R.S] outlining programming for identified gifted students and is used as a guide for educational planning and decision-making. Criteria for ALPs are detailed in the Rules promulgated by the State Board of Education. ALPs may be electronic or paper versions and are to be reviewed annually.

Why are ALPs important?
The ALP is a direct link between the student profile created during the identification process, utilizing quantitative and qualitative data, and the implementation of programming services. ALPs serve as a planning guide for making instructional decisions about materials, programming options, and assessments for gifted students, based on their strengths, interests, and affective needs. They are a critical component in the successful transition of gifted students from one level to the next and from school to school.

What are the critical components for an ALP?
The ALP should include information about the student’s area of strength, and which programming options will be provided to match these strengths at tiers 2 (targeted) and 3 (intensive). It should describe the differentiated methods to be used for acceleration, depth, and complexity, higher-order thinking skills, and content extensions.

The ALP should include S.M.A.R.T standards aligned goals for student achievement and for affective growth. It should also include student interests and extracurricular activities. ALPs are held electronically in our data system and in paper copies placed in the students’ cumulative file within each school.