Districts cannot have an enforceable policy against acceleration.
Acceleration is sometimes referred to as 'grade skipping'. When
accelerated, a student bypasses a course, or courses, and is enrolled in a higher grade. Acceleration can also happen
in a single subject, this is sometimes called 'grade straddling'
Many districts have either official policies against acceleration,
policies which deny gifted children the option of being accelerated or de facto policies against the practice. Some districts
also dismiss any parental requests to discuss the topic.
A district policy against accelerating identified gifted students,
whether single subject or whole grade, for a variety of reasons, is unenforceable. If acceleration is necessary to meet
a gifted student's educational needs, the district cannot deny that accommodation. If you can demonstrate there is
a need, your child can be either subject accelerated or grade accelerated regardless of your district's stated policies. Getting
to that point will, however, require work on your part.
This site can help. Please review If you have specific issues,
or are would like help please call me directly. My number is (484) 831-5394.
