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ALPHA
offers an interdisciplinary approach to instruction that
is aligned to the NYS Learning Standards for academically
advanced students. The main goal of ALPHA is to
provide activities and experiences that enhance and
develop higher level thinking skills such as
problem-solving, inferential reasoning and composition
skills; creativity; and analysis of literature.
ALPHA
is currently serving fourth, fifth and sixth grade
students. Students must qualify for the program by
scoring in the 97th percentile or above on an achievement
test and by meeting criteria on the School and College
Ability Test (SCAT).
Class
instruction is one-half day or one whole day per week
depending on district choice. There is a balance of
individual, small group and whole class activities and
projects. Students are provided with challenging,
hands-on activities and experiences. They are
exposed to a variety of fields of study. Local
experts are asked to visit the classroom, and a field trip
might be taken to enhance student learning when it
complements the curriculum.
Student
work is assessed throughout the year by a variety of
methods. The purpose of assessing work is to provide
feedback to students to help them grow academically.
Performance portfolios are used to track student progress
over the course of the academic year. ALPHA does not
use a formal grading system, however, three evaluations
are completed for each student.
Students
have an opportunity to showcase their work in the ALPHA
Literary Magazine, as well as at school and evening
events.
ALPHA
offers communication in the form of: orientation and open
house night for parents; bi-monthly newsletters to parents
and home school staff; e-mail news bulletins; student evaluations; and showcase
events.
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ALPHA
- Advanced
Learning Program for High Achievers