We have made some incredible strides in our journey towards academic excellence for the advanced curriculum at Horn, Smith, and Klentzman. In just three months we have reached full implementation of the curriculum and structures, showing student growth on CBAs and State Interim Assessments. 

Our students have produced dozens of high quality artifacts and our teachers are confident in their instruction of this unique student population. We are overjoyed to see coordinators, campus principals, specialists, and teachers working diligently to ensure that we are aligned and on one accord with the vision of Advanced Academics in Alief. 

We are pleased to highlight Klentzman Intermediate for their dedication to hard work. During our last visit we were able to see each classroom equipped with posters identifying each advanced curriculum classroom, schedules, student work, artifacts, fully organized binders and data walls. Their hard work, dedication, and attention to detail is on par with our standard of excellence. Additionally, we are happy to report that all RLA AC classrooms have an “A” AMM for SIA 1! Continue to show the mark of excellence on your campuses. 

Now, it's time to level up! When you enter an advanced classroom, it should stand out from the rest. These students have unique talents and abilities that should be spotlighted and nurtured daily. Advanced Academics is looking forward to walking into our advanced classrooms and witnessing just that! Below you will find some suggestions on enhancing your classroom environment for the advanced student population. 

- Ms. Harris,  Dr. Brotherton & Mr. Hare

Suggestions for Enhancing Classroom Environment for Advanced Students

Physical Layout:

• Flexible Seating Arrangements: Incorporate various seating options such as group tables, individual desks, and cozy reading nooks to accommodate different learning activities and preferences. This flexibility encourages collaboration and independent work as needed. 

• Designated Learning Zones:  Create specific areas for activities like group projects, independent study, and creative endeavors. This organization helps students transition smoothly between tasks and fosters a sense of ownership over their learning environment.

Atmosphere:

• Intellectually Stimulating Environment: Decorate the classroom with thought-provoking materials, such as challenging puzzles, inspirational quotes, and student-created projects. This setup cultivates a culture of inquiry and a love for learning.  

• Emphasis on Creativity: Provide access to resources like art supplies, building materials, and technology tools to encourage creative expression and problem-solving. A makerspace, for instance, can be an excellent addition.

Sound Environment:

• Active Engagement: Expect a dynamic classroom where discussions, debates, and collaborative problem-solving are commonplace. This lively interaction indicates active engagement and deeper understanding.  

• Respectful Communication: Establish norms that promote respectful listening and constructive feedback, ensuring all students feel heard and valued.

Sources:

•  Soaring with Snyder: Meeting the Needs of Gifted Learners 

•  We Are Teachers: Teaching Gifted Students 

•  ASCD: Six Strategies for Challenging Gifted Learners 

•  Prodigy: Differentiated Instruction for Gifted Students 

• Gifted Student Resource Kit: Accommodations and Modifications 

• Wikipedia: Cluster Grouping