Overview of AAP Services in FCPS

Silverbrook offers all Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Levels of Service. All students are screened by Silverbrook’s Advanced Academics Screening Committee annually for school-based services. The committee works together to make decisions about the most appropriate level of services for each learner.

Here is a description of each of the four levels of Advanced Academics Programs offered at Silverbrook Elementary: 

Level I: Critical and Creative Thinking Lessons, Grades K-6

The first level is provided to all students in kindergarten through grade six and consists of lessons that are designed to teach critical and creative thinking skills. The lessons and the thinking strategies are used throughout the year by classroom teacher and other teachers who work with students. Parents may also practice these strategies during family conversations and activities.

Strategies Lab

Every classroom experiences the Strategies Lab at least once per quarter. The hands-on lab provides opportunities for all students to develop problem-solving strategies for thinking and working more creatively while using games and puzzles. The Strategies Lab is a fun, challenging place where frustration can turn into success and perseverance is rewarded! Our parent volunteers help make this program a success for our students!

Level II: Subject Specific, Grades K-6 

The AART collaborates with classroom teachers to provide additional challenges and resources within the general education program. Screening for this level of service is ongoing throughout the school year. Some students may also work directly with the AART as part of Level 2 services in some grade levels. 

Level III: Part-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-6

Students identified by a local school screening committee for advanced academic services (Level 3) are challenged through models and strategies designed to extend and enrich the Program of Studies (POS) in the core subject areas. Students receive some direct instruction from the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher on a part-time basis.

Advanced Math, Grades 3-6

All students are screened to determine if the student exhibits a specific strength in mathematics. The Advanced Math curriculum is offered in grades 3-6 as part of the Levels of Service. Advanced Math can be part of Level 2, Level 3 or Level 4 services. This curriculum is the same math content and concepts used in Level IV centers. Advanced Math teaches above grade level standards and includes an above grade level SOL in grades 5 and 6.

Mathematics instructional goals include becoming mathematical problem solvers, communicating mathematically, reasoning mathematically, and making mathematical connections. Advanced mathematics extended indicators and above grade level correlated standards are part of the advanced mathematics curriculum. The FCPS instructional sequence provides teachers with the tools for differentiation and offers multiple entry points for students to access the advanced mathematics curriculum when they have developed the cognitive skills to be successful with a faster pace of instruction and above grade level content. All students in grades 3-6 are considered for advanced math on an annual basis. Multiple criteria are used to determine eligibility. Parents are notified in writing if their child has been found eligible for advanced math services.