Advanced Coursework District Plan

Purpose

This plan establishes guidance for the promotion of advanced coursework and accelerated learning opportunities for students in grades 4-12, in compliance with Kentucky House Bill 190 (KRS 158.6453(21).

Scope

This plan applies to advanced coursework and accelerated learning in the following areas:

• Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Social Studies
• Science

Definition of Advanced Coursework

Advanced coursework means educational programs or opportunities designed to challenge students with more rigorous content beyond the standard curriculum, including but not limited to advanced placement, International Baccalaureate, and honors courses. 

Advanced Coursework by Grade Level:

Grades 4-5:  

• Gifted & Talented consultation/Gifted & Talented Accelerated Program (GTAP)
• Extracurricular clubs (i.e. Student Technology Leadership Program, Academic Team, Science Fair, Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics, Robotics) 
• Differentiation in classrooms (i.e. level instruction)
• Personalized learning 
• Access to individual accelerated learning (i.e. high quality instructional resources, digital learning, etc.)
• Experiential learning (i.e. field trips, Junior Achievement BizTown, historical sites, etc.)
• Magnet & specialized programs

Grades 6-8:

• High school credit courses for math, English language arts (on campus, virtual, or at the high school) 
• Whole grade or accelerated coursework - all four
• Travel abroad/domestic (field trip to DC, Chicago, NY)
• Daily in-class differentiation 
• Extracurricular (e.g. academic team, Student Technology Leadership Program, speech & debate team)
• Co-curricular (e.g. MathCounts, scholastic, writing/arts)
• Gifted & Talented resources/services
• Personalized learning
• International Baccalaureate
• Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways
• Online
• Cluster grouping
• Magnet & specialized programs
• Enrichment

Grades 9-12:

• Advanced courses
• Advanced Placement (AP) courses
• International Baccalaureate
• Dual credit courses/articulated credit (CTE/core)
• Opportunity Middle College
• Gatton College/Craft Academy (“Early College”)
• Early graduation
• Seal of Arts Excellence
• Seal of Biliteracy 
• Civics Seal
• Industry certifications
• Online/personalized courses
• Independent study
• Work-based learning
• Paid internships
• Apprenticeships
• Associates degrees
• Magnet & specialized programs

School Responsibilities

Each school will:

• Notify all students, parents, and guardians of the long-term benefits of participation in advanced coursework.
• Inform families of advanced coursework opportunities available at the school.

Graduation Credit

Students who successfully complete high school advanced coursework will receive credit toward graduation in accordance with Kentucky regulations.

Implementation Timeline

This plan is effective for the 2025-26 school year and will be reviewed annually for updates and improvements.

---

Questions or Concerns

Parents/guardians, students, or staff members with questions or concerns about the implementation of this plan may contact their school principal or submit a written inquiry to their School-Based Decision Making Council.