Academic Acceleration

Currently, second and fifth graders participate in whole grade-level standardized testing for science, social studies, and cognitive abilities. In addition, all grades K-10 are assessed through MAP for reading and math. Any teacher, staff, parent, or student may make a referral for a student to be tested for possible gifted identification. Click here for the Gifted Screening and Assessment Referral Packet.

The State Board of Education adopted a model acceleration policy for advanced learners in April 2006. Districts were required by Section 3324.10 of HB 79 to adopt a similar Acceleration Policy for Advanced Learners that addresses all forms of acceleration, including early entrance to kindergarten, whole-grade acceleration, subject area acceleration, and early high school graduation.

Parents of candidates for single-subject acceleration should discuss this with their child’s classroom teacher for that subject. He/she can provide valuable information about the student’s performance and particular curricular needs pertaining to that content area. The parent then completes (with the help of the teacher) the “Academic Acceleration Referral form” and turns it in to the building principal. Assessment for acceleration requires multiple pieces of data entered into a scale/rubric in order for the acceleration team to make a final placement decision. Click here for the Academic Acceleration Referral Form.

This process takes place in August of each year; however, applications are accepted and kept until the assessment window opens. For more information, see the Kindergarten Information webpage.

Please see your high school guidance counselor for the proper forms to complete. Any early graduation candidate with the purpose of beginning their higher education path earlier than their peers must have a Written Acceleration Plan on file with the expected graduation date and a planned schedule of courses leading up to the graduation date.

All acceleration decisions are made as a team, along with the parents. This team may consist of a principal, counselor, psychologist, receiving teacher, current teacher, gifted specialist, gifted coordinator, or other qualified personnel. Even though this process is based on a group decision, there may be times when a parent disagrees with the final recommendation. In these cases, the parent must complete the Appeal Document. Appeal decisions are made by the district superintendent or his/her designee, and all decisions at that level are final. Click here for the Form for Appealing an Acceleration Decision.

Any student referred for and placed in an accelerative placement (early entrance to kindergarten, single subject acceleration, whole-grade acceleration, or early graduation) MUST have a Written Acceleration Plan on file for the first year of the accelerated placement. Since a child is not required to be identified as gifted in order to accelerate, non-identified students are included in the WAP process. This is not a reference to gifted service or gifted programming; it is a document that specifies the placement of the student in an accelerated setting and strategies to support a successful transition to the setting.