The Board believes that acceleration is an effective and research-based intervention for the academic growth of students who are ready for an advanced or faster-paced curriculum. Acceleration can allow a student to move through the traditional educational setting more rapidly, based on assessed readiness, capability and motivation. At the same time, the Board understands that acceleration is not a replacement for gifted education services or programs.

Generally, acceleration can occur through one of two broad categories: content based and grade based. Grade based acceleration shortens the number of years a student would otherwise spend in K-12 education, while content based acceleration occurs within the normal K-12 time span. Either form of acceleration can be triggered by either a parent/guardian, student, or community member's request or by the referral of school personnel. In either case, the process of determining the appropriateness of the request shall be under the direction of the district/school Gifted and Talented Program Coordinator. The district/school Gifted and Talented Program Coordinator shall convene the Acceleration Placement Committee and communicate with the individuals necessary for the Acceleration Placement Committee to make an informed decision, which shall include the student's parents or guardians.

While the needs of the student should dictate when acceleration decisions are considered, the Board believes the optimal time for referrals is in the spring which gives adequate time for working through the determination process and for preparing those concerned for a smooth transition to the acceleration beginning in the following school-year.

The District's Gifted and Talented Program Coordinator will create a written format to govern the referral and determination process, which shall be made available to any parent or staff member upon request.

The parents/guardians of any student whose request for acceleration has been denied may appeal the decision, in writing. to the District's GT Coordinator. The Districts GT Coordinator and the Acceleration Placement Committee will again thoroughly review the case study that was completed on the student. Upon completion of the review, the Committee will either request additional new testing be conducted to help the Committee make its determination or it will uphold the initial decision. The Committee's decision may not be further appealed.