The Able Learner Program (Ables) serves identified highly capable students in grades 2 through 5. Central Valley School District defines these students as those whose general mental development is significantly accelerated beyond that of their chronological peers. These students demonstrate remarkable potential for high performance in the areas of general intellectual ability, specific academic aptitude, creative or productive thinking, and peer leadership ability. Ables provides specialized services and activities in order to develop the student’s capabilities to the fullest extent.
Selection
Any student residing in the Central Valley School District may be referred by a parent, teacher, or community member. All candidates are screened using multiple objective criteria, including cognitive abilities assessment tests, district assessments, teacher and parent questionnaires, and other relevant data. Qualified candidates are offered admission to the program.
Population Served
Children who live within the boundaries of Central Valley School District and who do not “choice” to another public school district may attend Ables if they meet the selection criteria.
Program Model
Ables is a pull-out model in which 3rd through 5th-grade students participate one day per week. Enhanced instruction focuses on reasoning, creativity, and accelerated skills delivered primarily through project-based learning.
Transportation
Students ride buses to and from home schools to Ables. They are picked up in the morning after 8:45 a.m. (9:45 a.m. on Thursdays) and returned after 2:00 p.m. in time to be dismissed from their regular classrooms. Parents should check with their child’s home school for particular pick-up times and instructions for how their student will catch the bus to the Able Learner Program.
Lunch
Students may bring their own lunch or purchase a hot lunch, just as they do at their home schools. Prices and menus are the same, as are the qualifications for free or reduced lunches. Students may access their prepaid accounts from their CVSD home school.
Attendance
Once a student has decided to participate in the Ables, they have committed to attending regularly. Because students participate in many ongoing group activities, they do not have the option to choose whether to attend week to week. Each child’s success, as well as the group's, depends on the regular weekly attendance of all Ables students. Exceptions for very special circumstances must be cleared in advance with the program teachers. Please alert your child’s home school before 9 a.m. if your student will be absent on his/her day for any reason.
Home School
Students should not be required to complete all assignments given in their regular classroom while they are attending Ables. Students should be held responsible for the learning they are missing in the regular classroom, but not necessarily the work. Classroom teachers can administer pre- or post-tests that can easily determine whether an Ables student has already mastered a skill. Students should check with their home school teachers regarding procedures and expectations.
Homework
Homework is not regularly scheduled; however, when students are working on projects, they may bring home activities to work on outside of the program day. Timelines will be made available for these projects.
Parent Conferences and Holidays
Parent/Teacher conferences will be held during the school year. Teachers will contact you to schedule a one-half-hour session with each student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). Students will be able to participate in their home school classroom holiday activities.
Invitations
Parents will be invited to attend occasional project presentations prepared by the students. Teacher emails and invitations will keep parents informed.
Exit Policy
A parent/guardian may request that a student be withdrawn from the program. A request to withdraw form must be completed and submitted by the parent to confirm the student’s withdrawal from the program.
Questions
For any questions or concerns regarding the classroom program, parents should call the program teachers. Teachers are available before 9 a.m. and after 2 p.m., or a message may be left during those times. Parents may also arrange a visit. In addition, parents may contact the program coordinator with questions.
