In education, there are many forms of acceleration as defined in the report A Nation Empowered. Acceleration is a vital component to planning instruction for identified Advanced/GT students. It is often used to match the level and complexity of the curriculum with the readiness and motivation of the student.

As stated in COMAR 13A.04.07 Programs and Services, “Appropriately differentiated, evidenced-based programs and services shall accelerate, extend, or enrich instructional content, strategies, and products to demonstrate and apply learning.”  In Anne Arundel County Public Schools, the following forms of acceleration are used to meet the diverse needs of students demonstrating advanced academic capabilities.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses (Grades 9-12)

The Advanced Placement (AP) program, offered by the College Board, allows students to enroll in AP courses offered through their high school and/or take AP tests. High scores on AP exams may earn students advanced credit. AP course offerings differ by school.  More information about the AP program in AAPCS can be found here.

Curriculum Compacting (Grades 3-12)

Curriculum compacting is defined as adapting the curriculum to include fewer introductory activities and less repetition. Adaptations are made based on pre-assessment of content knowledge. The time saved is used for more advanced content instruction or to participate in enrichment activities.

Dual Enrollment (Grades 11-12)

Eligible students take one or more courses at Anne Arundel Community College for credit. In AACPS, students are not eligible for dual enrollment until they are sixteen years of age.  Additional information on Dual Enrollment opportunities in AACPS can be found here. If students are interested in Dual Enrollment with Anne Arundel Community College, they should contact their School Counselor. 

Early College Access Program (Grades 8-10)

Eligible students take one or more courses at Anne Arundel Community College for credit. In AACPS, students are not eligible for dual enrollment until they are sixteen years of age. Students under the age of sixteen who are identified Gifted and Talented are eligible for the Early College Access Program once they have completed their seventh-grade year. This program allows eligible students to take courses at Anne Arundel Community College for college credit. In Grade 8, courses taken through the Early College Access Program may not be substituted for AACPS coursework. If students are interested in Early College Access Program with Anne Arundel Community College, they should contact their School Counselor.  Additional information on the Early College Access Program can be found here.

Early Admission to Kindergarten (Grade PreK)

In this form of acceleration, students enter kindergarten before they reach the minimum school entry age. All requests for Early Admission to Kindergarten are processed through the Early Childhood and School Readiness Office. 

Grade Acceleration/Content Accel (Grades K-7)

Grade acceleration occurs when students are placed in a grade level ahead of chronological age peers. Content acceleration occurs when a student is placed in a grade level ahead of their chronological age peers in one content only. Decisions to accelerate a student must be made by a team of professionals using a wide range of data. For students currently enrolled in Kindergarten through Grade 8, acceleration requests must be directed to the Advanced Learner Programs Office.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Program (Grades PreK-12)

International Baccalaureate (IB) is a specialized education program offered at authorized schools. AACPS offers International Baccalaureate instruction at the Elementary (PYP), Middle (MYP), and High School (DP) levels. Students participating in the Diploma Programme at the High School level may earn an IB high school diploma if they perform well on IB exams. At the High School level, students may also elect to participate in the IB Career Related Program (CP). At the Middle and High School levels, students may apply to attend an IB authorized school through the AACPS Magnet Application process. More information about the IB program in AACPS can be found here. 

The Academic Grade Acceleration Process is designed for students whose needs can't be met within the regular ALPs Program. These students demonstrate that they are performing at least one grade level above their current placement across multiple assessments. 

There are varying levels of advanced differentation in both the core curriculum and the ALPs Curriculum. Academic Grade Acceleration is an effective intervention for a few students and should only be considered for students whose needs can not be met within their current age-based placement. Before considering Grade Acceleration for a student, schools should first utilize differentiated instruction options within their current grade level.