Alliance City Schools are dedicated to ensuring a bright future for every student by offering an array of services for those students identified as gifted in grades 1-12. Services are provided in alignment with State identification areas and are documented through a Written Education Plan. Alliance City Schools utilize multiple service options such as cluster grouping, Honors courses, College Credit Plus (CCP), and Advanced Placement (AP) courses to meet the needs of gifted learners.

Grades 1-3

Students identified according to State guidelines as gifted in one or more of the Specific Academic areas of reading and/or mathematics AND/OR identified as having Superior Cognitive Ability are clustered grouped for mathematics, language arts, science and/or social studies instruction at Parkway and Rockhill Elementary buildings. Teachers of these gifted students participate in on-going professional development provided by Ohio Department of Education approved means including monthly meetings with a gifted coordinator, workshops, webinars, and classes. 

Grades 4 and 5

Students identified according to State guidelines as gifted in one or more of the Specific Academic areas of reading, mathematics, science, and/or social studies AND/OR identified as having Superior Cognitive Ability are cluster grouped with other typical students in the Alliance High Ability Program (AHAP). The goal of AHAP is to provide high-ability students with enrichment and acceleration as needed throughout the entire school day. Meeting the needs of the high achieving students is the primary focus of the AHAP program, with the curriculum being adjusted for the typical student as necessary. All teachers assigned to teach in the AHAP program undergo an extensive application and interview process and participate in on-going professional development provided by Ohio Department of Education approved means including monthly meetings with a gifted coordinator, workshops, webinars, and classes.
 

Grades 6 - 8

Students identified according to State guidelines as gifted in one or more of the Specific Academic areas of reading and/or mathematics AND/OR identified as having Superior Cognitive Ability are cluster grouped in mathematics and/or language arts at Alliance Middle School. Two sections (classes) are designated for cluster grouping gifted students at each grade level at AMS. Students cluster grouped for mathematics participate in an accelerated curriculum that is adapted by the classroom teacher to meet the needs of gifted learners. This accelerated approach in grades 6 and 7 prepares students to take Algebra I or Geometry in 7th or 8th grade and earn high school credit. Teachers of gifted students participate in on-going professional development provided by Ohio Department of Education approved means including monthly meetings with a gifted coordinator, workshops, webinars, and classes. 

Grades 9 -12

Alliance High School (AHS) students have an array of Honors, College Credit Plus (CCP) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses offered to meet their advanced learning needs.
Students enrolled in Honors courses are provided the same common core curriculum as regular classes, but Honors courses are designed for high-achieving students through the addition of additional topics or presentation of some topics in greater depth.
AP courses are rigorous and designed to present college-level material to high-ability students. The AP course focus is not on memorizing facts, but instead requires students to engage in intense discussions, solve problems collaboratively, and write clearly and persuasively. Through participation in AP college-level courses and exams, students are instructed by a group of dedicated and skilled teachers who are trained through the College Board, the institution responsible for overseeing the AP program. Students participating in AP courses can earn college credit as well as high school credit and are more highly regarded when participating in the college admission process. A complete guide to AP course offerings at AHS can be found in the Decisions Book, compiled annually by the AHS administration to provide a complete list and description of all courses offered.
AHS also offers College Credit Plus (CCP) courses. Through a partnership with the University of Mount Union and Stark State University, students can take college courses and receive both high school and college credit, thereby graduating with many of the required college freshman courses completed. Since CCP classes at AHS are taught at the AHS by high school faculty who have attained adjunct college faculty status, students do not have to leave the building and can participate in daily school activities. A complete guide to CCP course offerings at AHS can be found in the Decisions Book, compiled annually by the AHS administration to provide a complete list and description of all AHS courses offered.

All Alliance City School students receiving gifted service are provided with a Written Education Plan (WEP) designed to direct their learning. The WEP includes the following:

  • Description of services to be provided

  • Goals to be met for each identified area in which they are identified as gifted

  • Methods for evaluating progress made toward completion of specified goals

  • Methods and timelines for reporting progress to parents

  • Staff responsible for ensuring delivery of each prescribed service

  • Policies regarding waiver of assignments and rescheduling of tests

  • Deadline for next WEP review

A no-service letter is sent home for those students who are not receiving formal gifted services.