Accelerated and Innovative Programs

The Department of Accelerated Programs consists of the Gifted & Talented, Accelerated Cohort, Honors and Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate programs. The department recognizes that there are students who require differentiated programs and services beyond the core curriculum because of their exceptional abilities in a particular area. Our goal is to provide a variety of learning opportunities, designed to meet the needs and challenges of these learners in various dedicated program settings. The district believes that these students should have a comprehensive articulated educational program, designed to maximize their unique abilities and to enhance personal growth. 

Guiding principles that will influence accelerated programs in their design, development and implementation focus on the importance of flexibility in the provision of services, ensuring that all students who could would, or should benefit have access to high level learning opportunities.  

In Grades K- 1 advanced abilities can shine early. Students in Grades K-1 who learn and comprehend at a faster pace and more complex level than their age peers are considered advanced learners. These students often acquire skills earlier and progress at an accelerated rate.

The district relies on teacher observations and professional judgment rather than being standardized or norm referenced with numbers and scores to identify these students. Examples of informal assessment measures to determine potential in a primary student could include portfolios, behavior checklists, teacher assessments, work samples, products and performances.

Teachers should provide early enrichment for those whose talents must be nurtured in order for those talents to fully develop. These students are not automatically identified as gifted once they enter Grade 2.

Grades 2-8 (Paterson Academy for the Gifted & Talented)

• High ability instructional grouping in mathematics, reading and language arts, and science
• Interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary learning around key concepts and issues
• Accelerated or specialized academic programs and independent study based upon individual educational needs
• The development of leadership skills and habits of mind
• Participation in Academic Competitions
• Counseling services that include psychosocial development, academic planning and career development
• Clubs incorporated into the school day in order to enable teachers the opportunity to service the students outside of the formal academic classes. The purpose is to provide extracurricular outlets within the course of the school day in order to enable our student population to maximize their unique abilities, to enhance personal growth and to enable the students to develop talents in the areas of greatest aptitude or that interest them.
• Service Learning which is an educational opportunity that combines SERVICE with LEARNING in intentional ways. Students learn and develop through active participation in organized service experiences that meet community needs.

Grades 9-12

• Accelerated Cohort Courses (Grades 9-10)
• IB Courses (Grades 11-12)
• Honors Courses (Grades 9-12)
• Advanced Placement Courses (Grades 10-12)
• Dual Enrollment courses in cooperation with colleges and universities (Grades 11-12)
• STEPS (Students Taking and Early Pathway to Success) Grade 12
• Accelerated or specialized academic programs and independent study based upon individual educational needs
• The development of leadership skills and habits of mind
• Academic, athletic and performing arts competition and/or performing groups;
• Opportunities for community-based learning, mentorships and internships
• Counseling services that provide psychosocial development, academic planning, and career development
• Clubs in order to enable teachers the opportunity to service the students outside of the formal academic classes. The purpose is to provide extracurricular outlets within the course of the school day in order to enable our student population to maximize their unique abilities, to enhance personal growth and to enable the students to develop talents in the areas of greatest aptitude or that interest them.
• Service Learning and CAS Creativity Activity Service which is an educational opportunity which combines SERVICE with LEARNING in intentional ways. Students learn and develop through active participation in organized service experiences that meet community needs.