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Avon board hears report on high-ability program; district will add middle-grade math tracks
Summary
District officials reported that about 13.8% of students (~1,500) are identified as high-ability, outlined identification methods (KOGAT, iLearn checkpoints, recommendations), and said sixth-grade options will expand to three math tracks (math 6, math 6 honors, pre-algebra 6) beginning 2026–27.
District staff updated the board on the high ability (gifted) program, identification processes, and curricular changes intended to better serve students who perform above grade level.
Dr. Peace reported that about 13.8% of the district’s students—roughly 1,500—are identified for high ability work, using cognitive ability tests (KOGAT), iLearn checkpoints (corporation percentile), and teacher/parent recommendations with qualitative scales. Staff noted strong math outcomes for identified students across grades 3–8 and some grade-level drops in ELA, especially at fifth grade, which the district attributes in part to transition effects. The district is forming elementary ELA and math high-ability councils (teachers meet multiple times each semester) to develop common enrichment resources available to all teachers.
To broaden acceleration pathways, the district will offer three sixth-grade math courses in 2026–27: math six (on grade level), math six honors (one year above), and pre-algebra 6 (two years above), with placement guided by assessment data. High-school course options include roughly 30 AP offerings and 23 dual-credit courses; administrators reported a record cohort of more than 2,000 AP test takers this spring. Dr. Peace said the district receives approximately $90,000 annually in state funding earmarked for high-ability services for up to 15% of students.
Board members asked about vertical alignment, checkpoint exposure, funding, and whether the district has the right identification balance across demographic groups; staff said ongoing work focuses on vertical articulation and refining exposure to essential standards before checkpoints.
