Questions About Alps Middle School?

Tools Used for Qualifying Students for ALPS

 1.  Parent Recommendation

The ALPS Application Form completed and submitted, constitutes the parents’ recommendation.

2.  CogAt (Cognitive Abilities Test)

The CogAt measures students’ reasoning and problem-solving skills in three areas:  verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal. 

For detailed information about the CogAt, download the CogAt Information Brochure from this website.    

   Download Brochure about CogAT

3.  Above-Level IOWA Achievement Testing

The IOWA is a norm-referenced test administered one grade above students’ current placement in reading and math. 

4.  Teacher Rating Form

Any teacher who has taught the applicant within the last two years may be chosen by the parent to complete the teacher rating form.If the applicant is currently in ALPS, an ALPS teacher must complete the rating form. Teachers are asked to work in teams to complete a rating form. However the parent-selected teacher will act as the team leader. If a child has an ESL designation, an ESL endorsed teacher must be on the team.

5.  Student Survey for Self-Recommendation

The Student Development Survey assesses a student’s academic self-concept, autonomy, independent development, school adjustment, creativity, and educational involvement.  It is important to note that the student survey assesses for self-efficacy skills, not self-esteem.  Self efficacy is a person’s judgment about being able to perform a particular task, not how they feel about their worth or value.  Research reveals that there is a positive, significant relationship between students’ self-efficacy skills and their academic performance. Students with high self-efficacy expect to do well, and they often achieve at a level that is commensurate with their abilities. They do believe they have the skills to do well and their effort matches their abilities.

Commonly Asked Questions

What is ALPS?

ALPS is the Accelerated Learning Program for Students and serves students in grades 1-9.  It is a magnet program for students demonstrate high performance or capacity for high performance beyond grade/age expectations and who therefore require specialized learning experiences beyond the regular curriculum.  Students attend full-time in one of four ALPS magnet schools (3 elementary and 1 middle school).

How do I know if my child is a good candidate for the ALPS program?

Students should be considered for the program if they score above average on standardized tests, are one or more grade levels above placement in reading and math, and if they demonstrate characteristics of giftedness such as: has a broad knowledge base, easily makes connections and intuitive leaps, exhibits quick mastery of skills, shows creativity and originality, has expanded vocabulary, has a questioning attitude, knows a lot of information about one topic, and is persistent.

How is an ALPS classroom different than a regular education classroom?

In ALPS, students engage in appropriately paced and rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on depth, complexity, and creativity.  Students abilities to master curriculum quickly allows for faster pacing of instruction and extended emphasis on higher level thinking skills.

Will my child have to retest every year?

For entrance into the 2010-2011 ALPS program, all current students and new applicants in all grades will be assessed for placement in the program.  In subsequent years, students who qualify for the program will only be reassessed as they enter 4^th and 7^th grades.  Assessment at all other grade levels will be for space available only.  Please note that students testing for 8^th & 9^th grades this fall will be assessed for instructional purposes only, not to determine placement.  All students currently in 8^th & 9^th  grade  ALPS  will be offered placement in the program.

What if my child has been in ALPS and does not re-qualify to remain in the program?

The appeals process will be an important part of the identification system and will be used to carefully gather additional data and consider individual needs of students who may not re-qualify for the ALPS program. During the appeals process, more information and data will be collected on the student’s abilities and performance, and then considered by an Appeals Committee.  The committee will determine whether or not appropriate placement decisions have been made. Please note that each individual student is important to us and our primary goal is to honor and respect each student so their educational needs will be appropriately met.  Under the circumstance that a student returns to the regular classroom from ALPS, support is given to the teacher from a Gifted/Talented Teacher Specialist to ensure the transition is smooth and that academic needs are met.

What if my child enters the program and is not successful?

A student may exit the program at anytime.  If students do not experience success in the program, parents are contacted by the teacher, principal or counselor and appropriate interventions that might help the student achieve success are implemented. If the interventions are unsuccessful, a formal conference is scheduled with the parents, teacher, principal and district Gifted/Talented Coordinator to set goals and a three week probation period begins.  A follow-up meeting is scheduled to discuss placement options.

What is available in local schools to meet the needs of advanced learners?

Local schools establish plans for meeting the needs of gifted/talented learners that meet the unique needs of their own community. Consideration is given to activities that provide talent development opportunities for all, differentiated instruction, and interventions for students who demonstrate exceptional abilities. Each school receives a gifted/talented budget to help support their goals. Many schools participate in district-sponsored special programs such as Debate, Monster Math, Talented Young Writers, Storytellers, Creative Pursuit, and History Fair, which provide opportunities for enrichment, as well as sponsor their own enrichment programs. District Gifted/Talented Teacher Specialists can also offer support to individual parents, teachers, and administrators who are seeking help to meet the needs of exceptional students.  The Gifted/Talented Advisory Committee will be forming a task force during the 2009-2010 school year to further address issues related to local school programming.

How can I get more information about ALPS and ALPS testing?

Attend the Ask About ALPS Information Meeting which will be held Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Auxiliary Services Building Auditorium (7905 S. Redwood Rd., West Jordan) or call the ALPS office @ 567.8381