Intermediate ALPs ( Grades 3-5)

Advanced Learner Programs (Intermediate ALPs) in Grades 3 - 5 is designed to engage all students in the learning and application of concepts and skills at greater depth and complexity. As required by COMAR 13A.04.07, students identified through the AACPS Gifted and Talented Identification Process receive daily instruction in curriculum designed specifically for gifted students.

ALPs Programs/Strategies for Students in Grades 3-5

The following programs and strategies may be utilized with any student in Grades 3-5 to increase access and opportunities for increased rigor.

Socratic Seminar

A Socratic seminar is a type of formal discussion, based on a text in which the facilitator asks open-ended thought-provoking questions. Within the context of the discussion, students listen closely to the comments of others, think critically for themselves, and articulate their own thoughts and responses to the thoughts of others. While Socratic seminars may be held with any student in grades 3-5, they are also a key component in Intermediate ALPs Language Arts curriculum for Advanced and Gifted students.

Advanced Curriculum for GT/Advanced Learners (3-5)

Intermediate ALPs Language Arts

In conjunction with the AACPS Literacy Curriculum, students identified as Advanced or Gifted and Talented in Language Arts will participate in the ALPs Language Arts Curriculum in Grades 3 - 5. Required curriculum for GT and Advanced students includes the following:

ALPs CKLA Overlays

These overlay documents complements and extends the Tier 1 CKLA instructional lessons by utilizing William and Mary teaching strategies, Socratic seminars, concept based strategies, Depth and Complexity Icons, and higher level questioning.

William and Mary Literature Units

The William and Mary Literature Units emphasize quality literature, higher-level questioning, persuasive writing, oral communication, and language study with a strong emphasis placed on developing an understanding of the concept of change with increased depth and complexity.

More information about the William and Mary Literature Units can be found here.

William and Mary Units By Grade Level

3rd Grade

Journeys and Destinations

4th Grade

Literary Reflections

5th Grade

Patterns of Change

Intermediate ALPs Reading Instructional Model

GT/Advanced Students will receive ALPs Strategies/Instruction during both the CKLA Literacy Instruction and the Academic Enrichment block.

CKLA Literacy Instruction for GT/Advanced Students: All GT/Advanced students are required to participate in CKLA Literacy Instruction; however, teachers should utilize the ALPs CKLA Overlay to extend and enrich instruction for identified students.

Academic Enrichment: During this 30 minute block in the schedule, all GT/Advanced students should be grouped together. During this time, classroom teachers will provide William and Mary Instruction.

For more information about the Elementary School student schedule, see the link click here.

Intermediate ALPs Mathematics

Students identified as Gifted and Talented or Advanced in mathematics will participate in the ALPs Math Curriculum in Grades 3 – 5. These students receive “compacted” instruction of on-grade level mathematics. Compacting is followed by the full implementation of M³: Mentoring Mathematical Minds (commonly known as M-Cubed). Preassessments are provided by the Advanced Learners Programs Office in grades 3-5 curriculum for all standards. These pre-assessments provide teachers data to make instructional decisions to best meet the needs of advanced learners using both of the following:

M3: Mentoring Mathematical Minds

M3 (commonly known as M-Cubed) is a mathematics curriculum designed for advanced learners in grades 3, 4, and 5. This curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creative problem solving, and discussion about math and its real-world applications. Learners engage in investigations, projects, and simulations to involve students in active problem solving. Throughout each unit, the development of rich verbal and written mathematical communication is included to enhance learning and promote higher-order thinking skills. Students work as practicing mathematicians using journal entries to deepen their understanding. The use of Hint Cards and Think Beyond Cards allow for differentiated instruction among the levels of advanced learners.

More information about M3 can be found here.

M3 By Grade Level

3rd Grade

Unraveling the Mystery of the MoLi Stone

Exploring Place Value and Numeration

Awesome Algebra

Looking for Patterns and Generalizations

In Search of the Yeti

Measuring Up, Down, and All Around

4th Grade

Factors, Multiples and Leftovers

Linking Multiplication and Division

Treasures From the Attic

Exploring Fractions

At the Mall With Algebra

Working with Variables and Equations

5th Grade

Designer Boxes

Exploring Volume and Surface Area

Getting Into Shapes

Exploring Relationships Among 2-D and 3-D Shapes

Record Makers and Breakers

Analyzind Graphs, Tables and Equations

Grouping of Intermediate GT/Advanced Learners

During the 2024-2025 school year, schools will have two options for grouping identified GT/Advanced students. Schools can choose to group students in one class to create a whole group of identified students, or they can create small groups of identified students across the grade level. This model differs from school to school depending on their unique needs and the number of identified students at that grade level. If you have questions about how students are grouped at your school, reach out to your child's school.

ALPs Accelerated Mathematics in Elementary School

The ALPs Accelerated Mathematics pathway in Elementary School allows students to complete the sequence of mathematics courses at a faster rate. The program is designed for GT/Advanced students whose academic needs cannot be met in the regular ALPs Curriculum. This opportunity is by invitation only.

Click here to learn more!

ALPs AACPS Website

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