1. The Autonomous Learning Model by Betts and Kercher
The key to meeting the diversified needs of the gifted and talented
PowerPoint by: Betsy Snow

2. Developed by George Betts and Jolene Kercher- 1981
Developed at Arvada West High School in Arvada, Colorado
Targeted achieving and non-achieving students
Program developed with the students, not for them
Teachers became the facilitators of learning, not dispensers of knowledge

3. ALM Goals for Students
Develop skills to interact effectively with peers, siblings, parents, and other adults
Develop critical and creative thinking skills
Develop passion area(s) of learning
Ultimately become responsible, creative, independent, life-long learners
Demonstrate responsibility for self-learning
Develop positive self-esteem
Increase knowledge in a variety of areas
Develop decision-making, and problem-solving skills

4. Autonomous Learner Model Five Major Dimensions
Dimension One: Orientation
Dimension Two: Individual Development
Dimension Three: Enrichment
Dimension Four: Seminars
Dimension Five: In-depth Study

5. Orientation Crucial to development of the autonomous learner
Contains four areas:
Understanding giftedness, talent, intelligence, and creativity
Group building activities
Self-personal development
Program and school opportunities and responsibilities

6. Individual Development
Designed to give students skills, concepts, and attitudes necessary to become life-long learners
Six Specific Areas:
Inter/Intra Personal- self-concept
Learning Skills- autonomous learning
Technology- added as major area in 1996
College and Career Involvement
Organizational skills
Productivity- develop oral, written, kinesthetic products

7. Enrichment
To teach learners to develop their own content, processes, and products
Five specific areas:
Explorations- new ideas to pursue
Investigations- independent inquiry
Cultural Activities- go behind the scenes to meet people in plays, recitals, museums
Service- activities such as meals for shut-ins
Adventure Trips- preplanning, participating, assessment of experience

8. Seminars Developed by learners, facilitated by teachers
Consists of selection of topic, development of seminar, and assessment
Focus of Seminars:
Futuristic
Problematic
Controversial
General Interest
Advanced Knowledge
* Students demonstrate ability to work in small groups.

9. In-Depth Study Individual or group projects- most elect to work alone
Mentorships- Learners find the mentors!
Presentations- short presentations and final presentation at conclusion of study
Assessment- of learner, the process, and the product
*Considered highest level of autonomous learning

10. Concepts and Ideas
ALM is a major component of G/T education at the high school level.
Curriculum developed by learners allows for the highest level of learning.
Learners share responsibility with educators for developing their personal educational plans.

11. Life-Long Learners and ALM
A life-long learner seeks truth, friendship, knowledge, and wisdom.
He accepts himself and others and strives to make the world a better place.
The journey is the key to new discoveries every day and is never-ending.

12. About George Betts and Jolene Kercher
Kercher was a highly successful mathematics teacher of gifted students at Arvada West High school and collaborated with Betts to create ALM.
Betts is a Professor of Special Education in the area of GT at the University of Northern Colorado, internationally acclaimed speaker and consultant, and winner of numerous NAGC awards.

13. Resources
Betts, George. (2003, Fall/Winter). The Autonomous Learning Model for High School Programming [Electronic version]. Gifted Education Communicator,
Department of Education and Training (n.d.). Gifted and Talented Education- Autonomous Learner Model. Retrieved June 3, 2008, from
Uresti, Ronda, Goertz, Jeanie, Bernal, Ernesto M. (2002). Maximizing Achievement for Potentially Gifted and Talented and Regular Minority Students in a Primary Classroom [Electronic Version]. Roeper Review, 25. Retrieved June 3, 2008 from