Advanced Criteria Process Grades 5-8

Subject and Grade Acceleration

Delano Public Schools

Definition: Accelerated progression relates to an advanced pace of learning. It enables students who are gifted to learn at a level corresponding to their ability and matched to the speed at which they learn. Acceleration is based on comprehensive assessment of readiness of the individual.

Options available:

Fully acceleration to the next grade level

Accelerate to the next grade level for a single subject only

Development an educational plan which will make necessary modifications in the current grade level’s curriculum

Eligibility for acceleration

In order to design the most appropriate educational program for students, the school district recognizes that some students demonstrate a need for grade level or course acceleration. Grade level acceleration may be considered for students who exhibit superior levels of aptitude and have demonstrated high levels of competency in multiple academic areas. In this case, the degree to which the regular grade level curriculum demands modifications may become difficult for the educators to both facilitate and manage. It is under these circumstances that grade level acceleration may be considered in order to better meet the student’s learning needs.

Course or subject acceleration may be considered for students who exhibit superior levels of aptitude and have demonstrated high levels of competency in one academic area. An educational program plan may be established in order to assure alignment between academic strength and core requirements. Acceleration may be accomplished by scheduling the student into next level courses as available and/or differentiated classroom work.

In order for a student to be considered eligible for accelerated progression, the following are key requirements:

• Student is processing and achieving well beyond the current grade level placement

• Student is self-directed, independent, and motivated to learn

• Student must be able to remain at the top his class after acceleration takes place

Acceleration Process

1. Acceleration referral is made by the teacher, parent or child

2. Intelligence test is administered and assessed. If benchmark scores are reached, the evaluation process continues. If benchmark scores are not reached, no further action is taken on the referral

3. Information is gathered from parent and teacher regarding student performance

4. MCA, FAST, and Cogat scores are gathered. Information is synthesized. A grade acceleration will follow the guidelines as recommended by the Iowa Acceleration Scale

5. Parent, Principal, Teacher and Gifted Coordinator meet to discuss results and make final decision

Instruments:

• SIT-R Slossen Intelligence Test

• Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (when available)

• Cogat (cognitive abilities test)

• Sayler Gifted/Talented Performance Questionnaire (parent and teacher for primary grades)

• FAST scores

• Other (Continental math scores, Fountas and Pinnell results, Star test etc.)