APAAS Advanced Learner Program Option

APAAS Advanced Learner Program Option

October 15, 2018

Dear Parent,

The Irvine Unified School District offers students in 4th through 6th grades an Alternative Program for Academically Advanced Students commonly referred to as APAAS. This upper elementary school program is designed to meet the needs of a unique population of highly intellectual learners who consistently prefer novel learning pathways. Students successful in the program are individuals who enjoy challenges, are perseverant in their interests, and are motivated by complex, open-ended options. The program is designed for students who independently handle high-level assignments, have a strong foundation in math and reading, and can express ideas in writing. A student does not need to be GATE-identified to participate in APAAS.

APAAS Program students are taught in a self-contained classroom and are provided with opportunities to make choices about how to personally engage with and demonstrate their understanding of the core content. Curriculum and instruction spring-board from the grade-level content and are designed for students to learn grade level standards in greater depth and with advanced perspectives. Learning focuses on creative and unique application of the core content. Program instruction does not include acceleration into subsequent grade level content standards.

To be considered for APAAS participation, families who reside within the IUSD attendance boundaries may submit an application for their student. The APAAS 2019-2020 school year application will be open November 29, 2018 through January 11, 2019 and can be found on our website at http://iusd.org/education_services/elgate.html . The Criteria considered in the application process include ability, achievement, creativity and learner characteristics components. APAAS application criteria are compiled and compared. Program placement is offered to the highest scoring students in order of score until all classes are filled. This placement process is conducted annually in May and students begin participating in the program in 4th grade at one of six school sites: Brywood, Deerfield, Eastshore, Santiago Hills, Turtle Rock, and Westpark (the year-round option). The program is designed as a 3-year option; therefore, there are limited spaces for 5th and 6th grade students.

If you are interested in learning more about APAAS, please attend the annual Parent Night for detailed information. This informational meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 28, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm at University High School's Theater, 4771 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA 92612. This meeting’s presentation and the program application will be available on our website beginning November 29, 2018 at  http://iusd.org/education_services/elgate.html .

Sincerely,

Kara Rydman

Coordinator, Gifted Programs and Advanced Learners