FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions: Parent input is essential for meeting each student’s needs and helping each student reach higher levels of accomplishment. The following set of questions and answers is designed to answer some frequently asked questions about Advanced Learning.
Who do I talk to if I think my child is Advanced in any area(s) and has not been identified? Parents should initially contact the classroom teacher or building level Advanced Learning building leader with questions regarding talent identification, differentiation and next steps. The Advanced Learning Coordinator will the consult with the appropriate data team. If additional assessments are warranted, parents will be contracted for permission. The data team will assess and identify student needs for Advanced Learning services. At all levels, the results of the testing regarding formal identification will be communicated to parents through a meeting, phone call or letter.
When should I talk to the classroom teacher? It is never too early or too late to contact your child’s teacher about your child’s educational needs. While conference time may be convenient, you may also call, e-mail, or ask your child’s teacher for a meeting at other times during the year.
How will I know if my child is identified for Advanced Learner services? Parents play a central role in the identification process and will be included throughout the evaluation.
How will I know what services my child will receive? Students identified as having Tier I and Tier II needs will be provided a variety of services appropriate to their educational needs. Conversations with teachers and Advanced Learning leaders at parent-teacher conferences or individual meetings will provide information about each student’s services. A Differentiated Education Plan (DEP) is developed for students with Tier III needs. The plan is jointly developed by classroom teachers and Advanced Learning leaders and reviewed on a yearly basis. School staff will meet on an annual basis with families whose child has a DEP.
What does it mean to differentiate instruction? Students come to school with varying levels of readiness to learn, different ways in which they learn best, and a wide range of interests. Differentiating instruction means that a teacher recognizes those academic differences and modifies classroom instruction in order to help each child reach his or her academic potential.
How will I know if my child is receiving differentiated opportunities? Differentiation is designed to occur in all subjects and at all grade levels throughout the entire school year. In many cases, a child may not be aware that adaptations have been made to meet his or her needs, but parents are encouraged to ask their child and/or their child’s teacher about assignments, groupings, projects, and opportunities that occur in his or her classes.
Who do I talk to if I have questions about Advanced Learner services? Who is the point of contact for a parent about different issues regarding Advanced Learner services? The points of contact (in order) are your child’s classroom teacher, the schools Advanced Learning building leader, and the principal. Further points of contact at the middle and high school levels include a counselor. If a parent has further questions, she/he may contact the District’s Advanced Learner Coordinator.
How will I receive ongoing information about my student’s progress and support opportunities? Communication among parents, students, and teachers is essential for parents to learn about supportive opportunities. Parents should ask the teacher if they are unsure of the differentiated opportunities being provided to their child.
How can I best prepare for conferences – to make sure I get information on my child’s needs – beyond hearing, “She/he is doing fine”? When possible, it is always best to have an ongoing relationship with your child’s teacher. Feel free to write a brief letter or email that introduces your child and describes his or her perceived needs to the teacher before the school year begins. At your child’s conference, share what your child enjoys about school and share your insights about your child. Present yourself as a supportive parent who recognizes the teacher’s efforts to meet all students’ needs. If possible, remember to offer to help the teacher in some way. The following questions for teachers may help you obtain more in-depth information about your child.
- What do you see as my child’s strengths and weaknesses?
- If my child already has a solid grasp of the subject matter in a class, what additional opportunities are available? Does she/he take advantage of the opportunities?
- If my child has a great deal of prior knowledge in a unit/theme, is there a way she/he can be given other options to broaden his/her knowledge base or move ahead into more complex subject matter? (curriculum,compacting, contracting, etc.)
- How can I help my child at home?