The Cherry Creek School District provides a comprehensive continuum of programming available for students who have been identified as possessing outstanding talent and perform or demonstrate the potential to perform at remarkably high levels of achievement when compared with others of their age, experience and/or environment. This continuum of service model is adapted from the 1998 National Research Center for Gifted and Talented and the 2005 Colorado State Programming Model; it is based on student area(s) of strength and learning needs.
A Comprehensive Continuum of Advanced Academic Programming:
Supports researched-based strategies which provide opportunities for rich, rigorous learning opportunities
Ensures continued academic growth and achievement for advanced learners and supports performance at levels commensurate with their abilities
Service delivery occurs at the student's neighborhood school for the most part.
Programming for advanced learners varies amongst schools across the district.
Cherry Creek is committed to site-based decision making as this practice supports the needs and values of each of its unique communities
The recognition and identification of advanced learners, the commitment to meeting their needs, and the dedication to maximize their academic performance remains a uniform priority.
THE DESGN
The Cherry Creek Comprehensive Continuum of Advanced Academic Programming is one component our instructional program that focuses on rigorous standards, 21st Century Learning Skills, innovative curriculum, evidence-based instructional strategies and aligned instructional materials. There are many types of advanced academic programming options utilized throughout the district; however, the following is a list of the most widely used types within the district.
PROGRAM OPTIONS
Curriculum Compacting - an instructional strategy in which a student's grasp of a content area is frequently reassessed by the instructor, and following demonstration of mastery of the subject, the student is allowed to progress to the next level or is given more in-depth work in the same subject area
Acceleration (by grade and/or subject when appropriate) – moving at a faster pace through academic content, examples include: early access to kindergarten, grade skipping, advanced placement classes, content area specific acceleration, concurrent enrollment at the high school level, postsecondary options (earning both high school and college credit for college courses completed), and early exit
Differentiation – the modification of product, process, content, or environment based on a student's academic need and intellectual ability
Independent Study Projects – specially devised, individualized projects in the student's area of strength, interest, and/or passion area which enrich and/or enhance the student's academic experience; designed and monitored by a qualified teacher and/or mentor
Rigorous Enrichment Programs and Projects – additional opportunities for developing intellectual potential, such as Inside Out, Destination Imagination, STEM, and varied elective offerings