Pathways to Expertise
Supporting Wisconsin’s Schools, Families, and Thinkers in their Quest to Recognize Talent and Embrace Challenge
The Center for Advanced Academics celebrates the talent in all Wisconsin schools. Our mission is to help schools and families identify and challenge student talent areas. This is a big task that begins in each classroom when strong differentiated practices, such as flexible grouping, curriculum compacting, and tiered lessons, create a more personalized learning experience.
We also know that cultivating student talent requires collaboration between districts, schools, community groups, and families. When students are ready for the next level of challenge (RtI Tier II and III advanced learning interventions), we employ the Center for Talent Development Pathways approach to developing expertise. We invite thinkers to choose learning communities that match their talents and develop an understanding of what expertise looks like in the selected field. Once a thinker is identified as needing the next level of challenge, we offer programming meant to inspire emergent talent, challenge above grade level thinkers, and build student expertise.
Competency
Students registered in these programs receive an accelerated curricular experience that focuses on student talent areas. In these programs, students collaborate with like-minded peers to create products that reach beyond grade-level expectations, and mirror the products of professionals in a selected field.
Project A “MISSIONS”
Grades 5 – 8
- A Community Passionate about YOUR Interests
- Focus on project creation and management.
- Tier Two, extension curriculum with 20 hours of online instruction.
- Students spend four to five hours per week completing activities.
- Cost: Schools & Families ($125)
- Scholarships Available to WI Schools & Families
Online Academy “CHALLENGES”
Grades 5 – 8
- In-Depth Challenges Focused on Cross-Curricular Problems
- Rigorous reading and research requirements
- Tier Three, replacement curriculum
- 90 hours of instruction including three face-to-face meetings
- Students spend seven to ten hours per week completing activities
- Cost: Schools & Families ($235)
- Scholarships Available to WI Schools & Families
Other Programs Highlighting Competency Include…
The Center for Talent Development (CTD) Weekend Enrichment Program
The Center for Talent Development (CTD) Civic Week