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Meeting Overview
- Structure of High Ability Elementary Services
- High Ability Identification Process
- ALPS Application Process
- Determination and Notification Process
- FAQs
- Timeline
Structure of High Ability Elementary Services
All MCCSC elementary schools provide differentiated instruction and opportunities for acceleration. These opportunities are not restricted to students who are formally identified as high ability. Individual teachers and building principals work to develop the most appropriate educational experience for each child.
High Ability Service Options offered at each elementary school may include:
- Grade level high ability cluster groups
- Subject skipping
- Flexible ability grouping
- Inquiry-based instruction
Accelerated Learning Programs for Students (ALPS)
This MCCSC program offers academically and intellectually identified high ability elementary school students (grades 3-6) the opportunity to participate in academic activities and experiences in self-contained classes that are uniquely designed to provide the challenge and rigor they require in all areas of the curriculum.
For the 2025-2026 school year, ALPS grades 3-6 will be part of Fairview Elementary.
What’s the difference between high ability and grade level classes?
Elementary High Ability Classes Focus On:
| Thinking Skills |
Acceleration |
Enriching Experiences |
Social/Emotional Learning |
- thematic reading and writing activities
- creative and critical thinking
- self-reflection and awareness of thinking
|
- advanced reading and vocabulary
- quickened pace of instruction
- beyond grade level standards
|
- in-depth coverage
- choice and authentics experiences
- independent study
- simulations
|
- confidence and perfectionism
- commitment and time management
- citizenship
- collaboration
|
High Ability Identification Process
The Indiana Code for High Ability Students requires that school districts use a variety of criteria to identify students for high ability services, including quantitative measures of both ability and achievement and qualitative checklists of high ability behavior and student potential.
- Norm-referenced measure of ability/potential:
- Norm-referenced adaptive measure of achievement/performance:
- Qualitative/observational measure of gifted characteristics:
- Renzulli High Ability Behavior Characteristics
- TOPS Folders (Teachers Observation of Potential in Students)
ALPS Application Process
- ALPS: Based on CogAT or NWEA assessment scores, students scoring in the 9th stanine, 96-99% on verbal/reading and nonverbal/math subtests, were sent a letter inviting them to apply for the elementary ALPS Program.
- Qualifying scores for initial identification may be from performance on the CogAT or NWEA or a combination of both.
Any student may apply for placement in the ALPS program, regardless of if you were sent application materials.
Application Portfolios are stored by the Department of High Ability Education for each student applicant. In addition to standardized test scores, the Coordinator of High Ability Education solicits the following to be included in the student’s portfolio:
Applicant/Family Provides:
- Completed Parent Referral Form (includes Renzulli HA Behavior Characteristics)
- One example of the student’s writing that the student selects
School Provides:
- A copy of the student’s in class writing
- Teacher Referral Form from the student’s current teacher (includes Renzulli HA Behavior Characteristics and Teacher’s Observation of Potential in Students (TOPS))
- Copy of the student’s latest report card
Application materials are due to the High Ability Office on or before Friday, March 28, 2025. How applications may be submitted:
- electronically (msmith@mccsc.edu)
- dropped off/mailed to Fairview Elementary, located at 500 W. 7th Street, 47401
- turned in at the student’s current elementary school
Determination and Notification Process
- Members of the Elementary Identification Committee will review applying student portfolios to identify students who display a need for elementary high ability services.
- Notification of placement decisions will be sent (through U.S. Mail and e-mail) to families on Friday, April 11, 2025.
- ALL STUDENTS WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR HIGH ABILITY SERVICES WILL RECEIVE NOTIFICATION.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I access the materials in my child’s application portfolio?
- Yes, but after the Identification Committee has completed its work. You can arrange to view these materials by contacting Adie Smith, High Ability Coordinator.
Can I appeal the Identification Committee’s decision?
- Yes, a written signed appeal can be submitted to the Office of High Ability Education. It must clearly indicate rationale for reconsideration based solel on the individual student’s ability and portfolio. All appeals are considered by the Identification Committee and High Ability Coordinator.
What will math instruction look like for an ALPS student?
- The structure of the school day (with a common math time) will ensure students’ math needs are being met at their appropriate instructional level.
When will ALPS students blend with their grade level peers?
- All students at each grade level (including the ALPS classrooms) will be blended for their special area classes, lunch, and recess.
Is transportation provided for students in ALPS?
- Yes. MCCSC provides bus transportation for all students in ALPS, if desired by the family. ALPS students are picked up/dropped off at the address provided and transported to/from Fairview without having to transfer to another bus.
Are siblings of ALPS students able to transfer to Fairview, as well?
- Yes. An automatic “sibling link” allows siblings of ALPS students to transfer to Fairview.
What if we choose not to apply for ALPS?
- Non-Participation in Elementary ALPS does NOT affect a student’s eligibility for:
- Participation in the middle school ALPS
- High School high ability identification
- Early high school graduation
- AP or honors classes in high school
*Any student may apply or reapply for ALPS at the end of each school year, grades 3-7.
*Application Materials for incoming 4th, 5th, or 6th graders are due Friday, April 25, 2025
Other questions?
Reach out to:
- Shawn Gobert, Principal of Fairview Elementary (sgobert@mccsc.edu)
- Kelsey Pearson, Assistant Principal of Fairview Elementary (kpearson@mccsc.edu)
- Adie Smith, MCCSC High Ability Coordinator (msmith@mccsc.edu or 812-330-7732, ext 50750
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