Advanced Coursework & Accelerated Learning Plan
Warren County Public Schools is committed to ensuring that academic challenge is a consistent, equitable, and integral component of every student’s educational experience. We recognize that students progress at different rates and demonstrate readiness for advanced content at different points in their academic journey. We are committed to providing appropriately rigorous learning opportunities that both prepare students for advanced coursework and accelerate their learning.
This comprehensive K-12 plan serves as the official district Advanced Coursework plan required by KRS 158.6453, which mandates the expansion of advanced educational opportunities. Consistent with these mandates, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, Warren County Public Schools ensures that students formally identified as gifted in a subject area are automatically enrolled in advanced coursework/learning in their area of identification for English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, or receive advanced coursework instruction. In addition, advanced learning opportunities remain accessible to all students who demonstrate readiness through multiple measures of performance. The plan strictly adheres to the definitions provided in the statute:
- "Advanced coursework" means educational programs or opportunities designed to challenge students with more rigorous content beyond the standard curriculum, including, but not limited to, Differentiated Instruction, Advanced Courses such as Advanced Core Courses with above grade level instruction, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Honors Courses. (KRS 158.6453(1)(a)).
- "Accelerated learning" means an organized way of helping students meet individual academic goals by providing direct instruction to enable students to move more quickly through course requirements and pursue higher-level skill development. (KRS 158.6453(1)(b)).
- “Advanced Placement” or “AP” means "a college-level course that incorporates all topics and instructional strategies specified by the College Board on its standard syllabus for a given subject area and is licensed by the College Board," (KRS 158.007(1)).
- "Dual credit" means "a college-level course of study developed in accordance with KRS 164.098 in which a high school student receives credit from both the high school and postsecondary institution in which the student is enrolled upon completion of a single class or designated program of study," (KRS 158.007(8)).
- "Dual enrollment" means "a college-level course of study developed in accordance with KRS 164.098 in which a student is enrolled in a high school and postsecondary institution simultaneously," (KRS 158.007(9)).
Enrollment and Admissions Requirements
- Students who are formally identified as gifted in a specific subject area shall have Advanced Coursework, Accelerated Learning, Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, or Dual Enrollment included on his/her Gifted Student Service Plan for their identified area. A gifted student can be withdrawn from an advanced course with guardian consent via the district opt-out form.
- All students have the opportunity to be admitted to advanced courses or accelerated learning if they meet qualifications as identified on the Advanced Learning Continuum.
Advanced Learning Continuum
This continuum ensures a clear progression and continuous access to acceleration across grade levels. Gifted students will be enrolled in advanced coursework. All students will have access to advanced coursework or accelerated learning if they meet the criteria.
- Elementary (K–6): The focus is on early talent identification (Primary Talent Pool), Advanced Coursework through differentiated instruction, and accelerated learning by integrating above-grade-level specified standards within core units for students who meet criteria. Additionally, specialized pull-out classes are provided to ensure that students are ready for early acceleration in middle school. Some students may meet criteria to receive grade level above instruction starting at fourth grade in Reading/Math through above grade level standard integration of core instruction. Sixth-grade students could have the opportunity to take a 7th-grade course if the criteria are met.
- Middle School (7–8): This is the primary acceleration phase, where students can move through a compacted curriculum. Students will also have the opportunity to enroll in advanced courses to receive more rigorous instruction.
- High School (9–12): The continuum culminates in multiple options for High School Advanced or Accelerated Coursework, including: Advanced Courses, Advanced Placement (AP) Classes, and Dual Credit (DC) Classes. Successful completion of prerequisite coursework guarantees automatic admission to these capstone courses.
Resources: