DoDEA Expands Advanced Academic Services to Middle School

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is proud to announce the launch of Phase 3 of its Advanced Academic Program and Services (AAPS), expanding advanced academic support to middle school students across the system.

This expansion reflects DoDEA’s commitment to academic excellence and growth for all learners, including those with advanced learning needs.

Unlike traditional gifted programs, DoDEA’s Levels of Service model integrates support directly into the school day through co-planning and co-teaching. This approach ensures that students are challenged within their regular classrooms, encouraging deeper learning and greater engagement. The model is based on national best practices and aligns with recommendations from the National Working Group on Advanced Education, ensuring that our strategies are both current and effective.

“One of the key takeaways from the National Working Group is the importance of flexible, responsive instruction for advanced learners,” said Dr. Laurie Abeel, Ph.D., AAPS ISS at DoDEA Headquarters. “That’s especially important for military-connected students, who may change schools often. The DoDEA Levels of Service model ensures they receive consistent, high-quality support through co-planning and co-teaching, no matter where they are.”

Each middle school is supported by an AAPS Resource Teacher (RT), a certified educator in both gifted and secondary education. These AAPS RTs collaborate with classroom teachers to design and deliver differentiated instruction. This partnership allows for real-time support, flexible grouping, and responsive teaching strategies that meet students where they are.

“Co-planning and co-teaching are central to the Levels of Service model,” said Kristina C. Muñoz, AAPS ISS for the Americas Region. “By working side-by-side with classroom teachers, we embed advanced academic support into daily instruction, helping students grow while staying fully engaged in their learning communities.”

To help identify students with advanced learning potential, DoDEA will administer the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) screener to all sixth-grade students. This tool provides valuable insight into students’ reasoning abilities and helps ensure that those who may not be identified through traditional pathways still have access to appropriate academic support.

“The 6th grade CogAT screener helps us identify students with advanced potential who may not yet be recognized through other means,” said Tami Elder, AAPS ISS for the Europe Region. “It’s one more way we ensure that students receive the support they need to thrive.”

The AAPS Levels of Service model is inclusive by design. Because services are delivered within the general education classroom, all students benefit from instructional strategies that promote depth, complexity, and critical thinking.

“What’s great about the DoDEA Levels of Service model is that it helps all students, not just a few,” said Susan Howlett, AAPS ISS for the Pacific Region. “Because support happens right in the classroom, every child benefits from teaching that encourages deeper thinking and more meaningful learning. It’s not about giving advanced students more work. It’s about giving all students opportunities to learn in ways that challenge and inspire them.”

For military-connected families, this model provides consistency and continuity. Whether students are transitioning between schools or navigating the unique challenges of military life, AAPS RTs ensure that their academic needs are recognized and supported. Through intentional collaboration between educators and families, we create environments where advanced learners can thrive.

For more information, please contact your school’s AAPS RT or local school administrator. You can also visit the Advanced Academic Program and Services webpage.