Rationale:
In recognition that students of exceptional potential may benefit from acceleration, administration will establish Floyd County School procedures which take into consideration the whole child and that are consistent with best practices.

Rule:
The following items are critical to successful whole-grade acceleration: academic ability, aptitude, achievement, developmental factors/interpersonal skills, attitude and support. Decisions regarding acceleration are to be determined by the instructional needs of the student. Oversight and implementation of the acceleration process rests with the local school administration.

Procedures:

1. A formal written request for consideration of acceleration is initiated by a parent, teacher, counselor, local school administrator, or any other adult that has specific knowledge of the student’s academic and social abilities.
2. The school gathers and reviews appropriate data from the classroom teacher and/or gifted education teacher to determine whether to proceed with further evaluation and the acceleration process. The decision to proceed with further evaluation shall be made by a committee composed of the classroom teacher, gifted education teacher, and a school administrator.
3.  If a determination is made to proceed, the school will conduct an individual assessment of the student’s mental abilities, achievement, and aptitude. The gifted education teacher and/or gifted education coordinator will coordinate the completion of the Iowa Acceleration Scale within two weeks of receipt of individual assessment scores.
4. A child study team (consisting of parents, classroom teacher, gifted education teacher, school administrator, and district level staff) will review all options and if appropriate will prepare a comprehensive plan for acceleration. The committee decides the type of acceleration program for the student based on the recommendations of the Iowa Acceleration Scale.
5. Local school monitors student placement and performance.