AIG Program
We help gifted students reach their full potential
At American Leadership Academy, we want to help each and every student reach her or his full potential. Our Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) program allows students with gifted or accelerated capacities to thrive in an environment that is both challenging and appropriate for their unique needs and learning styles. This furthers our mission to provide the best educational experience for as many students as possible in a moral and wholesome environment.
Schedule a tour today to learn more about your school's Gifted Education Program!
AIG Program Overview
Grade 2: AIG support is provided using a pull-out model. This model allows AIG students to be in a regular classroom with their grade level peers, and possibly other AIG peers. The AIG Campus Coordinator meets with second-grade AIG students twice a week in accordance with the AIG student's differentiated education plan (DEP).
Grades 3-6: AIG support is provided using a Cluster Grouping Model. This model allows AIG students to be in a classroom with more of their AIG peers while offering access to their own curriculum map, resources, opportunities, etc. Based on the AIG student's identification, math and/or reading, gifted support is given and implemented by an AIG Cluster Teacher using the student's differentiated education plan (DEP). The AIG Campus Coordinator meets with AIG Cluster Teachers regularly to ensure AIG students are supported while offering checks-in with AIG students bi-monthly.
Grades 7 and above: AIG students in grades 7 and above are provided the opportunity to participate in advanced learning classes, known as honors courses.
Webb's Depth of Knowledge
In this program, gifted students are able to work among their peers on cross-curricular units that extend beyond the general lessons. Gifted teachers utilize Webb's "Depth of Knowledge" scale to encourage students to reach their full potential.
| DOK-1 | DOK-2 | DOK-3 | DOK-4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| RECALL & REPRODUCE | APPLY KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS/ BASIC REASONING | STRATEGIC THINKING | EXTENSIVE THINKING |
| Who? | How did it take place? | How can I make use of it to solve a problem? | What do you think, feel, or believe? |
| What? | Why did it take place? | Why does it solve the problem? | What will or could happen? |
| Where? | How does it operate? | What is the cause, effect, or reason? | What is the relationship? |
| When? | Why does it operate? | What are the intended and unexpected outcomes? | How did it influence? What if? |
Testing for Gifted Program at ALA
American Leadership Academy uses the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), a widely-used, state-approved assessment to assess specific reasoning skills in areas that strongly correlate to academic success. The CogAT consists of three areas:
Verbal - used to assess a student's vocabulary, efficiency and verbal memory, ability to determine word relationships, and the ability to comprehend ideas.
Quantitative - used to assess a student's quantitative reasoning, problem solving abilities, and abstract reasoning.
Non-Verbal - used to assess a student's reasoning abilities through the use of spatial and figural content.
This test may be taken by any student who is referred by parents, teachers, or qualified ALA staff members. Qualification for gifted services is based on performance on this assessment. Students who score at or above the 97th percentile expectation for their grade will be considered eligible for the ALA gifted program. Placement testing for the gifted program occurs at the beginning of the school year.
Meet the ALA Coastal Gifted Teachers:
Mrs. Villarruel
Hi! I'm Jessica Villarruel, and I'm thrilled to start my first year at ALA and my 21st year in
education. I previously taught 4th, 5th, and AIG in Duplin County. I live in Wilmington with my
husband, Adam, and our four kids—Tyler (17), Ava (8), Asher (6), and Alden (5). Life is busy, but I
love it! I graduated from UNCW with degrees in Elementary and Special Education, and later
earned my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Reading. I'm also AIG certified.
Mrs. Norris
Hello! My name is Kelli Norris, and I am excited to serve as the part-time Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) teacher at our school. After many years in elementary education, I continue to have a passion for helping students discover their strengths, think creatively, and grow into confident lifelong learners.
I love working with gifted students by encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, critical thinking, and a love of learning. My goal is to create engaging experiences that challenge students while helping them realize their unique potential.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and grandchildren, serving in my church, reading, and being outdoors. My faith and love for education inspire me each day, and I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with families and staff to help every child succeed.
I look forward to and exciting year of learning, discovery, and growth with our AIG students!
Monthly Newsletters
Stay up to date with ALA Coastal's Gifted Program! Our monthly newsletters highlight the exciting achievements, upcoming events, and inspiring projects our gifted students are working on.
Student Spotlight
Please consider donating to our AIG program, we appreciate your help!
FAQ - Questions About Gifted
Contact Us
Please contact your school's Gifted Teacher for any additional questions you have about gifted program testing, teachers, methods, or curriculums.
Schedule a campus tour and learn more about what makes American Leadership Academy the best choice for your gifted child.