What is Single Subject Acceleration?
Single Subject Acceleration (SSA) is the practice of assigning a student to a higher-grade level than is typical, given the student's age, for the purpose of providing access to appropriately challenging learning opportunities. SSA is an acceleration practice that allows students to show mastery of the content of a course without having taken the course. A informational video with slides can be found in the Parent Information section, under the 'About' tab.
Does an AIG student receive gifted services even if they are participating in SSA or WGA?
Yes. Participating in SSA or WGA is not considered AIG services, therefore identified AIG students will receive gifted services as outlined in their Differentiated Education Plan (DEP), as an extension of grade-level standards. A student does not have to be identified in the Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Program to participate in SSA or WGA.
What is the process for Single Subject Acceleration?
Parents can nominate his/her child to skip a grade level of content in either Language Arts OR Mathematics.
Nomination forms will be available from your child’s school or through the online site listed below during the specified Nomination Windows. (See our dates below.)
Only students who are enrolled and attending WCPSS schools during the previous Nomination and Testing Windows will be eligible to participate in the in SSA during the upcoming school year. Schools will offer differentiation as needed for students entering WCPSS after the SSA deadlines.
Parents may nominate students for this accelerated practice ONLY within our school’s specified nomination window.
Parent FAQ Link
Whole Grade Advancement is determined on an individual basis in accordance with needs assessments. WGA is an option that can be considered for the few, highly gifted students who:
● consistently perform 2-3 grade levels above his or her current grade level in literacy skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) and mathematics. Performance at this higher level is demonstrated both in rote skills (reading words, fluency and math calculation) and most importantly, in academic application (reading comprehension, retelling, written language, math application and problem solving).
● have a comprehensive knowledge of science and social studies.
● are cognitively and conceptually capable of handling the increased demands of the next grade level by transferring previous learning and acquired knowledge to accomplish complex cognitive tasks.
● are socially and emotionally mature and typically demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills in their interactions with adults, and same age peers as well as with both older and younger students.
● are independent learners and actively seeks and persists in new and rigorous academic challenges.
The student who is whole grade advanced is able to go into the next highest grade and perform with the highest group of students. The student should be able to maintain this high level of performance throughout his/her school career.
Early Kindergarten Entry
A child who turns four years old on or before April 16 of the current school year can apply for Early Kindergarten Entry (EKE) for the following year. A candidate for Early Kindergarten Entry must show advanced development in intellectual, academic, social and emotional maturity in addition to an interest in learning.
Parents and guardians can download an EKE application packet. The packets contain additional information about students who are prepared for EKE, dates and directions.
The dates which parents and guardians can submit the completed packets are based on the child’s base school assignment. Please be aware that EKE applications will be reviewed no earlier than five business days prior to the first day of the school year at the applicant’s base school. Therefore, it is probable that an EKE applicant will not be starting school on the first day of the school year.
Completed application packets can be mailed or delivered to:
Advanced Learning Services
Wake County Public School System
5625 Dillard Drive
Cary, NC 27518
If you have questions about EKE, call the office of Intervention and Advanced Learning Services at (919) 694-0355 or email eke@wcpss.net.