Decades of research have consistently found that acceleration is an effective practice that can significantly enhance the academic and intellectual growth of advanced students and support healthy social and emotional development when students are selected for accelerated placements using a research-based process.

Accelerated Placement is open to all students who demonstrate high ability and who may benefit, and it is not limited to students who have been identified as gifted and talented. Accelerated Placement is only granted if the District and parent/guardian are in mutual agreement. Eligibility to participate in Accelerated Placement shall not be conditioned upon any factor other than the student’s identification as an accelerated learner.  Accelerated Placement identification includes:

1. Decision-making process that is fair, equitable, and involves multiple individuals, e.g. District administrators, teachers, school support personnel, and a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s);

2. Notification process that notify a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) of a decision affecting a student’s participation in Accelerated Placement; and

3. Assessment process that include multiple valid, reliable indicators determining whether acceleration is appropriate.

Accelerated Placement includes grade level acceleration, acceleration in a single subject, and accelerated placement into kindergarten or first grade. Accelerated placement programming is in the general education classroom with students at the next grade level.

District achievement data is reviewed to determine student eligibility for accelerated placement testing. The child must pass district reading and math assessments and show social and emotional readiness for the grade they are requesting accelerated placement. Parents may request accelerated placement testing by contacting their school’s administration.   

Accelerated Placement beyond Grade Level Honors 6-8

• Appeals

• OLSAT (verbal, nonverbal and composite)

• iReady

• IAR state achievement data

• Teacher rating scales

• Previous classroom performance

• New students prior to start of the year: 

  • Appeal - Cognitive and Achievement data comparable to District 202 qualification requirements. 

  • IAR / State achievement data

Accelerated Placement High School Level

At the High School Level, PA 101-0654 states that, beginning with the 24-25 school year, a school district's accerlated placement policy may allow for automatic enrollment into the next most rigorous level of academic coursework if the student exceeds state standards in ELA, Math, or Science on a state assessment. More information will be shared with the famliies of High School students.