Acceleration

Acceleration:

• Acceleration is advancing one grade level or more in a specific subject area or for a whole grade level.

• Any student can be nominated for acceleration by a parent, a self-nomination (the student nominates himself/herself), or a teacher.

• There is a specific process the school district must follow to determine if a student qualifies. According to School Board Policy 345.41, basic requirements include:

  • • • • Academic achievement (grades of "4" or "A")

        • Aptitude (Forward Exam, MAP testing, other standardized tests: Typically in the 99th percentile, 95th+ percentile may be considered)

        • Ability (IQ typically at or above 130 in requested area of acceleration)

        • Other factors (Do the student, parents, and teachers all support acceleration? Is the student emotionally and behaviorally ready [based on current observations] to be placed in a higher grade level? This is where we look at the "whole child" to make sure we are doing what is in the best interest of the child.)