Sometimes despite numerous enrichment and extension opportunities, it is possible that your child needs the additional challenge of a subject- or whole-grade acceleration. This intervention is for a small percentage of the population, and a student need not be identified as gifted to be referred for acceleration. A whole grade acceleration will address the needs of a student who demonstrates readiness academically, socially, and emotionally in all areas to support a move to the next grade level.
The Iowa Acceleration Scale (IAS) is the instrument used for whole-grade acceleration K-8 in Fayette County Public Schools. The IAS requires the acceleration committee to look at assessment data, school and academic factors, developmental factors, interpersonal skills, school and family attitude and support as well as critical items such as siblings in the accelerated grade level or the student’s ability is less than one standard deviation above the mean.
The whole grade acceleration becomes a permanent placement after the six-week transition period. A student who just qualifies is probably not the ideal candidate for acceleration. One must examine the potential for long-term achievement. Accelerated students should be expected to achieve, relative to their new grade peers, at a high level that is generally comparable to their performance in their previous grade. These students are typically in the top 10 percent in a class, and one would expect them to remain in the top 10 percent throughout their academic career. Thus, test scores should be strong for acceleration to be successful.
More information is available at the Acceleration Institute website.
For families considering whether acceleration is the right intervention for their child, contact the child’s teacher to get an idea of the student’s progress within the classroom and what extension and enrichment opportunities have been implemented to stretch and engage the learner.
You may also contact the Gifted & Talented Services staff with any questions about acceleration.