Talent Development and Advanced Academics

South St. Paul Public Schools values academic achievement and growth for its students.  All students, regardless of background, deserve academic growth and all students deserve rigorous, effective and relevant instruction. Advanced learners are part of this commitment - they are no different when considering their continued growth and achievement.  Many advanced learners are already manifesting performance and achievement that is beyond their grade level.  But what about advanced learners who are not manifesting achievement because they are not being identified? 

SSPPS Primary Enrichment Program (PEP) is designed for students who are not likely to be considered for Advanced Learner status using traditional methods of identification and who, without opportunity, are less likely to pursue advanced levels of learning on their own. Historically, these students have lacked access to gifted services, equitable curriculum, and the ability to see themselves represented in Advanced Academics. They need advocates who encourage them to reach their highest potential and affirmation of their advanced abilities. 

The SSPPS PEP model promotes the notion of nurturing continuous academic growth beginning in kindergarten. Early identification coupled with early intervention allows each SSPPS school to provide learning experiences that strengthen basic skills and require students to think and apply knowledge on a higher, more complex level. At each elementary school, classroom teachers, in collaboration with Talent Development Specialists, teach, observe students, collect anecdotal records, review test scores, and identify students who show Advanced Learner potential. Once identified, students may be clustered with teachers trained to differentiate curriculum and instruction to nurture advanced academic ability.

Because elementary and middle school Advanced Academic programs are a major gateway for participation in challenging and advanced classes in high school and higher education, access to these advanced learning opportunities must be provided to all students who have the potential to succeed.

The long-term goal for the SSPPS PEP is that students fully develop and realize their full potential in a variety of areas. This will lead to all students participating in courses and programs in high school and beyond that speak to and work with their unique gifts and talents.

• What is the Primary Education Thinking Skills curriculum?
• What does a lesson look like?

• How are students assessed during it?

• Example PETS Lesson - Inventive Thinking with Stacy Anderson