ABSTRACT
This chapter offers a very specific application of excellence through the description of the Iowa Excellence Program. The Iowa Excellence Program has two major components: an extracurricular enrichment curriculum in mathematics and science for middle school students that is oriented toward preparation for acceleration at the high school level, and professional development for teachers that includes additional instruction in math and science content as well as training in gifted education. Iowa Online Advanced Placement Academy (IOAPA) was created as a model for developing an academic culture of providing appropriate challenges for high ability high school students, thereby elevating academic aspirations and accomplishments. The goal of the partnership is to ensure a comprehensive approach so that all students have access to challenging academic opportunities through Iowa Excellence, IOAPA, and the Belin-Blank Dynamic Model of Professional Development, which is integral to the success of both programs discussed.
