Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Elementary Continuum of Services

Bren Mar Park Elementary School is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction according to the Advanced Academic Programs Office. A continuum of services is offered for students at BMP in grades K-5. The model is designed to match services to unique student needs, moving away from a focus on student labels. 

Our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) collaborates with the school staff to determine the appropriate level of advanced academic services. Parents may refer their child for advanced academic services or get additional information on the screening process or advanced academic opportunities at Bren Mar Park by contacting the school at 703-914-7200 , or emailing Yetta Williams at [email protected] . Ongoing observation and assessment ensures that student needs are being met.

Access to Rigor, Grades K-5

All students have opportunities to think critically, reason, and problem-solve.  

● All teachers use critical and creative thinking strategies in their lessons.

● Classroom teachers provide opportunities using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework a minimum of once per quarter. 

Access to Rigor is for all FCPS students, there is not a screening process. 

Subject-Specific Services, Grades K-5 

Some students are strong in a specific subject area. Classroom teachers may adjust instruction for students in these area(s) by: 

● Providing different assignments and resources in those subjects, 

● Grouping students by their strengths, interests, and readiness, and 

● Providing additional challenges using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework. 

Student needs for Subject-Specific services are re-evaluated each year at the local school. 

Part-Time Services, Grades 3-5 

Some students have advanced academic needs in multiple subject areas in addition to Subject-Specific services. They need Part-Time AAP services.  

● Students work with other students that have similar academic needs through weekly pull-out classes or weekly co-taught lessons with the AART and classroom teacher. 

● Teachers provide frequent opportunities to use materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in Language Arts, science, social studies, and/or mathematics. 

Part-Time services continue through Grade 6. Students do not need to be evaluated each year. 

Full-Time Services, Grades 3-5

Some advanced learners need a Full-Time advanced academic program with differentiated instruction in all four core content areas (Language Arts, mathematics, social studies, and science).  

Students eligible for Full-Time AAP services are cluster grouped on a Full-Time basis and receive: 

● Full-Time use of materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and 

● Curriculum that is differentiated through depth, complexity, and acceleration of content. 

Full-Time services continue through Grade 8. Students do not need to be evaluated each year.

Ability Testing

FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration in the holistic screening process for advanced academic services. Test scores are not weighted or prioritized in the holistic screening process. 

• All students in Grade 2 take the Naglieri General Abilities Test (NGAT)
• The NGAT may be administered to students in Grades 3-5 who do not have an abilities test on file. 

Parents or guardians may exercise a one-time retest option during the fall testing cycle.