** This post is part of a larger post: Developing a Gifted and Talented Program. **
The goal of acceleration is to teach students at their academic level in subjects where they are excelling within their current grade level. Through acceleration, students attend classes with other students who are at the same academic level, as opposed to age level. For example, if a fourth grade student excels at math, he or she may join the fifth graders for this subject. Students learn at different rates and in different ways within each subject, so acceleration allows them to advance in those areas that they can learn at a faster rate than their aged peers.
Benefits of Acceleration
Research shows that gifted students can benefit both academically and socially from subject acceleration. Acceleration can increase students’ academic achievements and prevent underachievement. It can prevent boredom from the students because they will be more engaged in learning the new material. Begin engaged in the material can also help prevent behavior problems. Acceleration can help boost a student’s self-esteem and help them gain new friendships with peers who are at their academic level and share some of the same interests when it comes to those topics.
Indicators a Student Would Benefit from Acceleration
- High academic ability (determine through the use of standardized test scores and teacher observations)
- Student willingness and motivation to accelerate in the subject
- Student’s expressed want/need to be challenged
- Parent and student interviews
Acceleration Resources
- Acceleration Institute at the Belin-Blank Center
- NAGC Acceleration Position Statement
- Online Course: Stanford Education for Gifted Youth (EPGY)
- Iowa Acceleration Scale (a tool to help determine if subject or grade acceleration is appropriate for each individual)
