Bloomington Public Schools

Academically Talented Program

Home Parents & Visitors For Staff Prof. Development Schools District 87 Home

Bloomington Public Schools serves students with a variety of abilities and needs.  Bloomington Public Schools is committed to meeting the needs of all students.  We recognize that some students have specific academic talents and need to be challenged at high levels.

Bloomington Public Schools District 87 provides programming for students who are designated as "academically talented" in reading and/or mathematics.  Students are identified for the program during grades 2, 5 and 7 by a district-wide committee of teachers, administrators and a consultant.  Determinations are made based on standardized test scores in reading and mathematics, norm referenced aptitude tests, teacher rating scales and parent recommendation.  Once a students is designated as "academically talented", parents/guardians are notified.  Parents must give consent for their children to participate in the AT program.

Bloomington Public Schools will:

  • Use a variety of assessments on an ongoing basis to identify the unique needs of students.
  • Ensure ongoing staff development opportunities to prepare district educators to provide appropriate differentiated instruction based on student strengths and needs.
  • Offer students appropriate modifications and extensions of the standard curriculum including interaction with peers with similar strengths, needs and interests.
  • Create opportunities for students to use the community as a resource in the development of their interests and talents.
  • Challenge students to develop creativity, expand problem-solving skills, pursue independent study and explore personal interests beyond the standard curriculum.
  • Assist all students in fulfilling their academic potential.

Elementary

Students who are identified as Academically Talented (AT) at the elementary level are placed in classrooms with teachers who have been trained to differentiate instruction for students with academic talents.  A cluster group of AT students is placed with the teacher as part of a regular classroom.  The classroom teacher uses his/her expertise to determine ways to differentiate lessons and activities to meet the needs of these students.  Not all lessons, assignment and activities are differentiated.

Middle School

At the middle school level, AT students often participate in higher level classes.  Students have the opportunity to earn high school honors credits while at Bloomington Junior High School.  For more information about course options, visit the BJHS website.

High School

At the high school level, AT students may participate in honors coursework.  Honors courses provide additional challenges for students with academic talents. Bloomington High School also offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses.  These high level courses offer students the option of earning college credit by passing an advanced placement test at the end of the semester.  For more information about honors and AP courses, visit the BHS website.