What does “ALO” mean?
Advanced Learning Opportunities (ALO) refers to programs certified by the Seattle Public Schools to serve the needs of academically gifted students through their neighborhood schools. For more information, see the ALO page on the Seattle Public Schools website.

Does Bryant currently support advanced learning?
Yes, many of our teachers at Bryant do an excellent job at differentiating without the ALO Program.  However, participating in the ALO Certification Process creates a rich dialogue and opportunity for the staff to write a formal plan and to come to agreement on what differentiation will look like at Bryant.

The ALO Committee (comprised of teachers, staff and parents) met most recently on Thursday morning, February 11th. Principal Fox and fifth grade teacher Ms. Donna Shy walked the group through the initial results of the January 29th professional day which was largely focused on a deeper exploration of what ALO at Bryant would look like. During that exercise, grade-level teaching teams referred to the standards outlined on the state-issued ALO report cards and noted a minimum of three strategies that each grade level team consistently utilizes already in their instruction across the grade level. These strategies correlate with the ALO standards, which typically include instruction at least one grade level ahead in reading and math.

Bryant is currently working on its ALO certification process.  We have formed an ALO Committee that is exploring ideas, models and strategies for designing an Advanced Learning Opportunity Program (ALO) for our students.  The certification process requires extensive work by the staff and ALO Committee prior to implementing a program.  Once the groundwork is completed with the staff, the ALO Committee will begin working on a plan that outlines the Bryant ALO Model, identification of students and strategies used.  We are in the very beginning stages of this process. The next “Coffees with Kim”  (Friday, February 12, 2010 at 9:30 AM in the Volunteer Room) will focus on the ALO process.  Please come and join us for this discussion!

Bryant is currently working on their ALO certification.  Our ALO Committee is exploring ideas, models and strategies for designing an Advanced Learning Opportunity (ALO) Program for our students.  The certification process is lengthy and requires extensive work by the staff and committee prior to implementing a program.  Once the groundwork is completed, the ALO Committee and staff will work on writing an ALO Plan that outlines the Bryant model, identification and strategies.  We are in the very beginning stages of this process.  The ALO Committee includes staff, parents and community members.

Bryant will be holding an Educational Forum related to the ALO Program later in the school year or early fall.  However, our program will first need to be approved by the Advanced Learning Department.  The ALO Committee needs to complete a tremendous amount of work prior to presenting the plan to the central office.  The next “Coffees with Kim”  (Friday, February 12, 2010 at 9:30am in the volunteer room) will focus on the ALO process.  Please come and join us for this discussion!