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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:

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:
  • CogAT (2^nd grade)
• Norm-referenced adaptive measure of achievement/performance:
  • NWEA
• 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 9^th 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. 7^th 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 4^th, 5^th, or 6^th 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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MCCSC Elementary High Ability Education Identification 2024-2025

• Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and NWEA administered to all MCCSC 2^nd graders: December 2024

• Application (invitation to apply) materials mailed to families of current 2^nd grade students who meet the criteria for possible placement in the elementary ALPS program, 9^th stanine (96-99%) on CogAT or NWEA assessments: Friday, February 28, 2025

• Elementary School High Ability Services (ALPS) Family Information Meeting for the parents/guardians of all current 2^nd graders interested in high ability services for the 2025-26 school year: Monday, March 10, 2025 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, located at the Fairview Elementary School Gym

• Deadline for submission of ALL incoming 3^rd grade high ability (ALPS) applications: Friday, March 28, 2025

• ID Committee review of incoming 3^rd grade portfolios for elementary high ability (ALPS) placement: March 31 – April 10, 2025

• Incoming 3^rd Grade High Ability (ALPS) notification letteres mailed to applicants: Friday, April 11, 2025

• Incoming 3^rd Grade ALPS “Meet the Teacher” Student Information Evening: Monday, April 21, 2025 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, located at Fairview Elementary

• Deadline for acceptance/decline to the 3^rd Grade ALPS Program for the 2025-2026 school year: Friday, April 25, 2025

*Application Materials for incoming 4^th, 5^th, or 6^th graders are due by Friday, April 25, 2025

Student portfolios will be received and maintained by: Adie Smith, Coordinator of High Ability Education, Fairview Elementary, 500 W. 7^th Street, 47404

Phone: (812) 330-7732, ext. 50750

Email: msmith@mccsc.edu

Parent Referral Form

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Throughout the MCCSC, students are provided with 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 possible for each child. These options may include grade level high ability cluster groups, subject skipping, flexible ability grouping for math and language arts, and inquiry-based instruction.

Grades K-2:
All MCCSC kindergarten students take the CogAT cognitive ability screener during second semester. Students scoring 75% or higher on the screener are then given the full CogAT battery. Students scoring in the 9th stanine on the full battery CogAT are identified as HA in ELA (verbal), Math (non-verbal/quantitative), or General Intellectual (all areas). Elementary schools offer program options for identified high ability students in grades K-2. These options may include grade level high ability cluster groups, subject grade skipping, flexible ability grouping for math and language arts, and inquiry-based instruction.

Grades 3-6:
The Accelerated Learning Program for Students (ALPS) offers academically and intellectually identified high ability third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students 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. The Elementary ALPS program is part of Fairview Elementary School. ALPS students complete grade-level requirements as well as appropriate enrichment and acceleration activities in all areas of the curriculum. ALPS students may have grade-level instruction
with their age-level peers, including math, special area classes, and thematic curriculum. In their classes, ALPS students routinely engage in thematic reading and writing activities, are required to use critical thinking skills, and are encouraged to develop as independent, self-directed learners. Placement in the MCCSC elementary ALPS program requires formal high ability identification/recommendation by the high ability identification committee.

Consistent with MCCSC transportation guidelines, transportation is provided to Fairview Elementary for all ALPS students.

The challenges of the ALPS program require both students and their families to make a commitment of time and energy. Students and families who elect to participate in the program agree to work together to ensure that the student:
● Produces work of high quality and submitted on time
● Actively and meaningfully participates in class
● Participates for a full academic year in the assigned placement
● A continuous desire to work at a level above and beyond what is explicitly taught in the classroom

In addition to the self-contained ALPS classes in grades 3-6, individual elementary schools offer program options for identified high ability students. These options may include grade level high ability cluster groups, subject grade skipping, flexible ability grouping for math and language arts, and inquiry-based instruction.

Consideration for Elementary School ALPS and Other High Ability Services
In the 2024-25 school year, the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) was administered to all second-grade students. Second-grade students also completed the NWEA growth-based achievement assessment during the 2024-25 school year. Based on CogAT and NWEA assessment scores, students scoring in the 9th stanine, 96-99%, will be mailed an application packet inviting them to apply for possible placement in the elementary ALPS program. If your student is not formally identified as general
intellectual high ability and is not sent an elementary ALPS application, they may also apply for placement in the ALPS program. Families interested in this opportunity should speak with their child’s teachers or principal and may contact the Office of High Ability Education. View the Spring 2025 Elementary High Ability Education Identification timeline.

Identification for Elementary School ALPS
A student's potential to benefit from participation in the ALPS program is assessed through a variety of measures that are collected in individual application portfolios. The Office of High Ability Education stores portfolios 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 provides:
● A completed Parent Referral Form (includes high ability behavior checklist)
● One example of the student’s written work that the student selects
School provides:
● Student writing sample from in class writing prompt
● Teacher Referral Form from the student’s current teacher(s) (includes high ability behavior checklist)
● Copies of report cards for first semester of current grade
● NWEA MAP Report

You may send the application materials electronically (msmith@mccsc.edu), by fax (812-330-7813), or drop them off/mail them to Adie Smith at Fairview Elementary School, 500 W. 7th Street, 47403.

Selection of Elementary School ALPS Students
Members of the Elementary High Ability Identification Committee review each student portfolio to identify students who are most likely to benefit from participation in the ALPS program in elementary school. Participation in the elementary ALPS program requires a student be formally identified as general intellectual high ability by the identification committee. Members of the identification committee are experienced and licensed in gifted/talented education. Historically, students placed in the elementary ALPS self-contained classes have achievement and cognitive verbal and
nonverbal test scores in the 9th stanine, 96-99 percentiles.

Notification of placement decisions will be sent to families of all applicants by the date stated on the identification timeline.

Alternative Admission to Elementary School ALPS
Elementary school students who are new to the MCCSC, or those who did not apply, did not qualify, or opted not to accept an invitation to the ALPS program, can submit a portfolio for review by the High Ability Identification Committee during their third, fourth, and/or fifth grade years for the following school year. Alternative admission applications are considered by the Identification Committee at the end of the current school year. Placement is offered based on the recommendations of the High Ability Identification Committee.

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MCCSC Middle School High Ability Education Identification 2024-2025

• Middle School High Ability Services Family Information Meeting: Parents/guardians and students are invited to learn about the middle school high ability service options, identification procedures, and important timelines. – Wednesday, January 15, 2025, located at Jackson Creek Middle School Auditorium from 6:30-7:30 pm

• Middle school initial identification high ability placement letters mailed to qualifying incoming 7^th grade sutdents, 9^th stanine (96-99%) on CogAT, InView, or NWEA. The high ability service options include advanced English/Language Arts instruction and the middle school ALPS program. Advanced math services are a separate placement process and are based on student’s current math level and achievement. Advanced math placement notifications will be sent in May. – Thursday, January 16, 2025

• Deadline for submission of ALL incoming 7^th grade high ability (ALPS) applications and initial placement appeals. This concludes the open identification period during which any student may apply for 7^th grade high ability services. – Friday, January 31, 2025

• ID Committee review of incoming 7^th grade high ability program (ALPS) applications. – February 3 through February 28, 2025

• 7^th grade high ability notification letters mailed to all applicants. – Tuesday, March 4, 2025

• Deadline for acceptance/decline to the 7^th grade ALPS program. – Friday, March 28, 2025

Student portfolios will be received and maintained by: Adie Smith, Coordinator of High Ability Education, Fairview Elementary, 500 W. 7^th Street, 47404

Phone: (812) 330-7732, ext. 50750 / Email: msmith@mccsc.edu

*Application materials for incoming 8^th graders are due by Friday, April 25, 2025

Parent Referral Form 

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MCCSC Middle School High Ability Identification and Services

Winter 2025

Adie Smith: msmith@mccsc.edu

Meeting Overview

• Structure of High Ability Middle School Services
• High Ability Initial Identification Process
• Open Application Process
• Determination and Notification Process
• Timeline
• Questions

Structure of High Ability Middle School Services

All MCCSC middle schools offer:

• Self-contained ALPS classes
• High Ability Language Arts instruction
• Advanced math classes (Algebra and Geometry)

Accelerated Learning Program for Students (ALPS)

• This program offers academically and intellectually identified high ability middle school students the opportunity to participate in an advanced block of classes (Science, English, and Social Studies) in both grades seven and eight.

High Ability Language Arts

• This service offers students advanced instruction in only ELA for grades seven and eight. 

Advanced Math (Alegbra and Geometry)

• Placement in advanced math is a separate identification process based on a student’s current math level and achievement. This process takes place in April/May.

Remainder of a Middle Schooler’s Day

• Middle school high ability students are integrated into their grade-level’s lunch and additional classes to meet the curricular requirements of the State of Indiana (PE/health, arts, music, foreign language, technology, etc).

What’s the difference between high-ability and grade-level classes?

Middle School High Ability Classes Focus On:

Thinking Skills

• conceptual thinking
• creative and critical thinking
• metacognition

Acceleration

• advanced reading and vocabulary
• quickened pace of instruction
• beyond grade level standards

Enriching Experiences

• in-depth coverage
• choice and authentic experiences
• independent study

Social/Emotional Learning

• confidence and perfectionism
• commitment, work completion, and time management
• citizenship
• collaboration

How do high ability classes in Middle School affect course selection in High School?

While middle school ALPS courses and/or High Ability ELA instruction are wonderful preparation for high school, they are not prerequisites for any high school honors or AP classes. High school students self-select their classes, following course selection requirements.

Initial Identification

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:
  • InView (taken in 3^rd grade)
  • CogAT (taken in 5^th grade)
• Norm-referenced adaptive measure of achievement/performance:
  • NWEA (taken 2 or 3 times each year, grades 3-10)
• Qualitative/observational measure of gifted characteristics:
  • Renzulli High Ability Behavior Characteristics
  • TOPS Folders (Teachers Observation of Potential in Students)
• ALPS: Based on CogAT or NWEA assessment scores, students scoring in the 9^th stanine, 96-99% on verbal/reading and nonverbal/math subtests, will be sent a letter offering placement in the middle school ALPS program.
• High Ability ELA: Students only scoring in the 9^th stanine, 96-99%, on verbal/reading subtests will be offered middle school high ability instruction in English/Language Arts.
• Qualifying scores for initial identification may be from performance on CogAT or NWEA or a combination of both.
• No application materials are required for students invited to participate in high ability services in this initial identification process.

Open Identification/Application

• If your student is not initially identified based on test scores, you may appeal that decision by submitting an application for ALPs or High Ability ELA. Families interested in this opportunity should have a conversation with their child’s teacher and/or principal prior to submitting your application.
• ANY STUDENT MAY APPLY FOR MCCSC HIGH ABILITY SERVICES DURING THIS OPEN APPLICATION PERIOD (ENDING FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025). 
• If a student was offered High Ability ELA instruction but wants to apply for the full ALPS program (advanced English, Science, and Social Studies classes), they will appeal this decision by applying for ALPS during this open application period.

Middle School High Ability Identification Flowchart

All students currently in 6^th grade:

Based on test scores, some students will not receive mailed invites to ALPS or High ELA for 7^th grade.

• Students who were not initially identified can apply for ALPS/High ELA. ALL STUDENTS CAN APPLY FOR ALPS/HIGH ELA!
• Students will be taking standard 7^th grade classes.

All students currently in 6^th grade:

Based on test scores, some students will receive mailed invites to ALPS or High ELA for 7^th grade.

• Students initially invited to only High ELA can apply for ALPS. ALL STUDENTS CAN APPLY FOR ALPS!
• Students accept invitation to ALPS.

Open Application Process

Portfolios are stored by the Department of High Ability Education for each student application. In addition to standardized test scores, the Coordinator of High Ability Education solicits the following to be included in the student’s portfolio:

Applicant Provides:

• Completed Parent Referral Form (included 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
• Student NWEA MAP Report
• Teacher Referral Forms from the student’s sixth grade teacher(s) (includes Renzulli HA Behavior Characteristics and Teacher’s Observation of Potential in Students (TOPS))
• Copies of the student’s report card for first semester of grade six

Application material from families are due to the High Ability Office on or before Friday, January 31, 2025.

How applications may be submitted:

• electronically (msmith@mccsc.edu)
• dropped off/mailed to:
  • Adie Smith, High Ability Coordinator
  • Fairview Elementary, 500 W. 7^th St.
  • Bloomington, IN 47404
• turned in at the student’s current elementary school

Determination and Notification Process

• Members of the Middle School Identification Committee will review applying student portfolios to identify students who display a need for middle school high ability services, including advanced English/Language Arts instruction and the middle school ALPS program.
• Notification of placement decisions will be mailed to parents and schools on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
• ALL STUDENTS WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR HIGH ABILITY SERVICES WILL RECEIVE NOTIFICATION.
• Placement in advanced math classes is a separate identification process based on a student’s math level and achievement at their current school.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What classes are included in the ALPS Program?

The middle school ALPS program includes advanced English, Science, and Social Studies classes.

Does my student have to apply for middle school high ability services?

Students who are initially identified for high ability services based on test scores do not need to apply. Notification letters will be mailed on January 16, 2025 to students who are initially identified for the MCCSC middle school ALPS program or HA/Adv ELA.

When are applications/appeals for middle school high ability services due for students who did not automatically qualify?

Application materials for students applying/appealing for the middle school ALPS program or Advanced ELA are due on or before Friday, January 31, 2025.

Where can I find the parent referral form for my student’s application?

A copy of the parent referral form can be found on the MCCSC website under the High Ability Department. Click on Academics – High Ability Resources, then click on the form.

How do I know my student’s application is complete and includes all of the required application materials?

The HA Coordinator will solicit all required application materials from the school and family in preparation for review from the HA Identification Committee.

When will I be notified about my student’s application/appeal for middle school HA services?

Notification letters for all applicants will be mailed Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

How do high ability classes in middle school affect course selection in high school?

While middle school ALPS courses and/or High Ability ELA courses are wonderful preparation for high school, they are not prerequisites for any high school honors or AP classes. High school students self-select their classes.

When will middle school math placements be determined?

The middle school math placement process is a separate identification process that will take place in April/May. All MCCSC middle schools offer Algebra and Geometry classes for identified high ability students. Advanced math placements are based on a student’s current math level and achievement.