High Ability Programs At PCSC
Our Mission
Paoli Schools recognize that some students perform at or show the potential to perform at an outstanding level of academic achievement compared with others of the same age, experience or environment. Paoli recognizes that these high ability learners are found in all socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic groups and that these learners require differentiated curriculum, instruction, and assessment in order to meet their unique cognitive and affective needs.
Multifaceted Assessment Plans
Definition of High Ability Student
Paoli Schools defines a high ability student as one who performs at, or shows the potential for performing at, an outstanding level of accomplishment in core academic areas and/or creativity when compared to other students of the same age, experience or environments.
Differences Between Gifted Students and High-Achieving Students, Created by Bertie Kingore
District Services for High Ability Students
Elementary
Grades K-1: Students are ability grouped by subject area for appropriate curriculum modifications with a teacher who has a High Ability License.
Grades 2-5: Identified students are clustered in classrooms, with a teacher who has a High Ability License. Interdisciplinary units, as well as differentiated language and math curriculum, are used.
ELA Curriculum: Junior Great Books
Math Curriculum: Kendall-Hunt
Middle School
Grade 6: HA Team for core subjects
Grade 7: Advanced Science, English, and Pr-Algebra
Grade 8: Algebra I and Biology I
High School
Honors classes by subject: (English and Biology)
Advanced Placement courses (College Board) in:
Chemistry
Calculus
English Lit/Composition
Government, Politics
Biology
and dual enrollment/ US History
Guidance and Counseling
Guidance counselors are available in each building to work with high ability students. School counselors may meet with small groups as well as individuals concerning social/emotional needs, as well as career planning.
Equitable ID Plan Components
Grade Level that Measure is given | Name of Measure | |
Norm-Referenced Aptitude Measure (also referred to as ability or intelligence measure) | All students* K, 2, 5 | CogAT |
Norm-Referenced Achievement Measure (or other evidence of ability to perform above grade level) | All students* K-10 | iReady Diagnostic Curriculum Associates |
Qualitative Indicators | All students* K-8 | Kingore Observation Inventory |
*All students will be assessed with the exception of students who opt-out per recommendation of their education team.