Advanced Academics and Talent Development

Welcome to Advanced Academics and Talent Development at Ashlawn Elementary!  Arlington Public Schools is dedicated to maximizing the strengths and potential of all students so they may become self-confident, well-rounded, responsible and productive citizens. Believing that each and every individual has merit, Arlington Public Schools recognizes that certain learners within the school population have unique abilities, interests, needs, and potential for accomplishment. Advanced students need opportunities to think abstractly, work at various rates and levels of complexity, and pursue tasks independently. In addition, students eligible for advanced academic services need opportunities to learn with others of like abilities, as well as opportunities to develop socio-emotional. Advanced academic services are implemented through school-based and countywide activities, which comply with School Board and State objectives.  School-based services are delivered in the following ways:

• According to a collaborative resource model in which the classroom teacher works with the Advanced Academics Coach to develop and present appropriately differentiated learning experiences for advanced students within the general education classroom
• In the general education classroom setting with identified students cluster-grouped (minimum of 9-10) and through a variety of flexible groupings based on ongoing data
• With teachers who are specifically trained in instructional needs of and curriculum written for advanced students
• Through curricula which are differentiated or extended from concepts in the general education curriculum, and when appropriate, through opportunities for acceleration and extension.

At District:

Cheryl McCullough, Director

Katie Madigan, K-12 Supervisor

Amanda Dempsey, K-12 Specialist

Barbara Ann, Administrative Assistant