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There are over 70 years of research surrounding the practice of acceleration for gifted students. In their position paper on acceleration, the National Association for Gifted Children states that “acceleration is one of the cornerstones of exemplary gifted education practices, with more research supporting this intervention than any other in the literature for gifted individuals.
Acceleration is a means of “matching the level and complexity of the curriculum with the readiness and motivation of the student.”
-Colangelo, N, Assouline, S. & Gross, M (2004)
Academic Grade Acceleration for Elementary Students (Grades K-4)
Academic Grade Acceleration for Elementary Students (Grades K-4)
Elementary students eligible for Grade Acceleration testing (Grades K-4 only) will be assessed in both Reading and Mathematics. Students take the TerraNova Achievement Test for the grade level into which the student may be promoted. In order to qualify for Grade Acceleration, students must score in the 90th percentile or above when normed nationally against students at the next grade level. Therefore, in order to qualify for Grade Acceleration testing, students must demonstrate that they have mastered content at least one grade level above their current placement. This must be evident across multiple assessments.
Note: There are COMAR age requirements for Kindergarten and Grade 1 students. Therefore, students must be initially enrolled in the grade appropriate to their age as determined by the Maryland State Department of Education. An exception will only be granted for students who attended a public school in another state with a later age of entry AND the school can provide a transcript verifying attendance. After this initial enrollment, students may be considered for grade acceleration when evidence warrants consideration.
Step 1
Step 1
Contact your school principal to discuss whether Grade Acceleration is an appropriate option for your child.
Students must be enrolled as an AACPS student in a grade appropriate for their age prior to being considered for Grade Acceleration.
Step 2
Step 2
The school administrator will gather additional data on your child to determine if they meet the qualifications for further evaluation. You will be asked to complete rating scales as a part of this data collection process.
Step 3
Step 3
The Advanced Learner Programs Office reviews the request and the corresponding data to determine if further evaluation is warranted. If testing is warranted, you will be asked to sign an Accelerated Testing Consent Form. When this form is received by the Advanced Learner Programs Office, they will schedule testing directly with the school.
Step 4
Step 4
Once testing is complete, the Advanced Learner Programs Office prepares a written report which is sent to the school. The school will share the report with the family and discuss next steps for the student.
If the parent/guardian is dissatisfied with the decision, they may appeal in writing within (10) ten business days to the Coordinator of Advanced Learning. The written appeal must be received in the office within the required timeframe.
Coordinator of Advanced Learning:
Michele DiGiulian
mdigiulian@aacps.org
Academic Grade Acceleration for Grade 5 Students
Academic Grade Acceleration for Grade 5 Students
Because Grade 5 accelerated students take middle school courses, students eligible for grade acceleration testing may be considered for any of the following:
Full Grade Acceleration to Grade 6
Content Acceleration in Reading to Advanced English/Language Arts 6
Content Acceleration in Mathematics to Math 6/7*
Students assessed for full grade acceleration will take the TerraNova Achievement Test in Reading and the Accelerated Math Screening Assessment. Students assessed for content acceleration will be tested in the applicable subject. The assessment administered will be for the grade level into which the student may be promoted. In order to qualify for Grade or Content Acceleration, students must score in the 90th percentile or above when normed nationally against students at the next grade level. Therefore, in order to qualify for Grade Acceleration testing, students must demonstrate that they have mastered content at least one grade level above their current placement. This must be evident across multiple assessments.
Note: Students who are content accelerated to Advanced English/Language Arts 6 or Math 6/7 will take these courses virtually. There are no in-person options for these courses for Grade 5 students.
*Due to the highly compacted nature of Math 6/7, no requests for acceleration will be honored after the first semester.
Step 1
Step 1
Contact your school principal to discuss whether Grade or Content Acceleration is an appropriate option for your child.
Students must be enrolled as an AACPS student in a grade appropriate for their age prior to being considered for Grade Acceleration.
Step 2
Step 2
The school administrator will gather additional data on your child to determine if they meet the qualifications for further evaluation. You will be asked to complete rating scales as a part of this data collection process.
Step 3
Step 3
The Advanced Learner Programs Office reviews the request and the corresponding data to determine if further evaluation is warranted. If testing is warranted, you will be asked to sign an Accelerated Testing Consent Form. When this form is received by the Advanced Learner Programs Office, they will schedule testing directly with the school.
Step 4
Step 4
Once testing is complete, the Advanced Learner Programs Office prepares a written report which is sent to the school. The school will share the report with the family and discuss next steps for the student.
If the parent/guardian is dissatisfied with the decision, they may appeal in writing within (10) ten business days to the Coordinator of Advanced Learning. The written appeal must be received in the office within the required timeframe.
Coordinator of Advanced Learning:
Michele DiGiulian
mdigiulian@aacps.org
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