Advanced Academics and Talent Development Advisory Committee

The Advanced Academics and Talent Development Advisory Committee (AATD) is one of the 14 advisory committees under the umbrella of the Advisory Council on Teaching and Learning (ACTL). AATD meets monthly during the school year, advises School Board of needs of gifted/advanced students in Arlington Public Schools, and annually reviews the Local Plan for the Gifted. This committee makes recommendations to the School Board every two years.

Contact the AATDAC co-chairs for additional information:

John Schaus: [email protected]

Mary Wierzbicki: [email protected]

We are always looking for parents, teachers, and community members to join us in our advocacy of gifted/advanced learners in Arlington County Public Schools. If you would like to be a part of these discussion, please complete the ACTL Subject-Matter Advisory Committee Application on the ACTL page.

Join the AATD/GSAC

2025-2026 Advanced Academics and Talent Development Advisory Committee

Monday, September 29 – Rm 402 – Syphax
Monday, October 27
Monday, November 17
Monday, December 15
Monday, January 12
Monday, February 23
Monday, March 16
Monday, April 20
Monday, May 18

Meetings will occur at Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22204

If you are interesting in joining any of the meetings, please contact John Schaus: [email protected] and/or Mary Wierzbicki: [email protected]. All are welcome.

AATD/GSAC Yearly Reports

AATD (formerly known as GSAC) writes a report and/or makes recommendations to support improving the ways Arlington Public Services meets the needs of its gifted/advanced learners. These reports detail changes that are being made from year to year, along with how students are being impacted by new initiatives and programs.

AATDAC 2024-2025

2024-2025 AATD Meetings

September 23, 2024 Minutes. October 28, 2024 Minutes November 25, 2024 Minutes. December 16, 2024

January 27, 2025 February 23, 2025 March 24, 2025 April 28, 2025

May 19, 2025

AATDAC 2023-2024

ACTL/AACT School Board Recommendations

GSAC 2021-2022

ACTL/School Board GSAC Recommendations

Middle School Cluster Study 2021-2022

GSAC 2020-2021

Gifted Services Program Evaluation

Policy directives established for Arlington Public Schools require systematic evaluation of personnel, schools, and programs to encourage continuous improvement. All instructional program areas within the Department of Instruction conduct a districtwide program evaluation on a 6-year cycle.

The Gifted Services Office initiated the design of its program evaluation in the 2014 – 2015 school year. The results of the three-year evaluation process was presented to the APS School Board on June 29, 2017.

Program Evaluation: Gifted Services Presentation to School Board

Program Evaluation: Gifted Services Executive Summary

Program Evaluation: Gifted Services Report

Outside Consultant Program Evaluation by Dr. Joyce Van Tassel-Baska