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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.
Academic Grade Acceleration for Middle School Students (Grades 6 and 7)
Academic Grade Acceleration for Middle School Students (Grades 6 and 7)
Students in Grades 6 and 7 who are eligible for grade acceleration testing may be considered for any of the following:
Full Grade Acceleration from Grade 6 to Grade 7 or Grade 7 to 8
Content Acceleration in Reading to Advanced English/Language Arts*
Content Acceleration in Mathematics to Math 6/7, Math 7/8, or Algebra I*
If students are assessed for full grade acceleration, they will take the TerraNova Achievement Test in Reading and the Accelerated Math Screening Assessment. Students who are assessed for content acceleration will be tested in the applicable subject. Students will take the assessment 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. 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.
Step 1
Step 1
Contact your school principal or school counselor 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 from Middle to High School (Grade 8 to 9)
Academic Grade Acceleration from Middle to High School (Grade 8 to 9)
Students in Grade 8 who are eligible for grade acceleration testing may be considered for full grade acceleration to Grade 9.
If you feel your child would benefit from accelerating from Middle to High School, contact the Coordinator of Advanced Learning.
Coordinator of Advanced Learning
Michele DiGiulian
mdigiulian@aacps.org
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