MPS Talent Development and 
Advanced Learner Education

Vision
All students recognize and develop their talents as a result of enrichment and appropriately challenging learning opportunities.
 
Beliefs
• All students at all ages have relative talent strengths, and schools should help them identify, develop and understand their own special abilities.
• The development of ability or talent is a lifelong process requiring effort and support.
• Schools can and should be places for developing the talents of all students.
•  Advanced learners demonstrate outstanding achievement or show potential for high levels of accomplishment relative to others of similar age, experience, and environment.
• Advanced learners have cognitive and affective needs requiring differentiated and challenging educational programs/services beyond those provided in the general education program.
•  Advanced learners represent the diverse populations of our communities, and can be identified throughout their PK-12 program to provide the appropriate instruction and support for continuous growth.

Our Commitments
• Providing opportunities for all children to develop and demonstrate advanced learning behaviors, including children from groups underrepresented in advanced programs.
• Building a profile of student strengths which can be used to document the need for differentiated curriculum and instruction.
• Identifying advanced learners for the purpose of providing appropriate instruction and support which meet these students’ unique academic and social/emotional needs.
• Building the capacity of MPS teachers, leaders and families to recognize, nurture and accelerate talent development.
• Aligning our program with the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) PK-12 Gifted Program Standards.

http://talentdevelopment.mpls.k12.mn.us