The Exceptional Children’s Educational Act (ECEA) is Colorado’s primary law with requirements for the implementation of specific elements and procedures for gifted education programs. The Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) is a legal document [22-20-R-12.00, C.R.S] outlining programming for identified gifted students and is used as a guide for education planning and decision-making. The ALP will provide documentation of gifted education services in the student’s area(s) of strengths, the student’s yearly growth, and the manner in which the child’s social and emotional needs will be addressed. The development of an ALP serves as a foundation for a partnership between the gifted student, the classroom teacher, the parent/guardian, and the gifted education teacher at the school.

In order to have an ALP written, a student must be identified as gifted or highly gifted in Denver Public Schools. Copies of the ALPs are kept in the district’s student database and are evaluated and updated each year.

ALPs are required for all identified students ECE-12. The format of these documents looks different at elementary, middle, and high school with an increasing focus on student engagement.

The Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) :

• provides a guide for advanced instruction and learning opportunities in the student’s identified area(s) of strength

• is created in collaboration with parents/guardians, classroom teachers, and gifted education teachers

• is an ongoing document, showing programming throughout the school year

• includes standards-based goals - both academic and social emotional

• provides an opportunity to dialogue with teachers about the student’s needs

• establishes guidelines for advanced growth within the parameters of a public school setting

• may include a reference to curriculum materials to enrich and extend learning for gifted and talented, and/or advanced students.

If there are questions about the ALP or the ALP process, please consult with your Gifted and Talented Teacher/Point of Contact at your child’s school.