Policy Guidelines
Guidelines for Developing an Academic Acceleration Policy provides guidance and encourages the systematic adoption and practice of acceleration in schools across the nation. The Guidelines document can assist schools in writing and modifying acceleration policy that is suited to local needs and adheres to research-based best practices.
Guidelines is co-authored by IRPA, the National Association for Gifted Children, and the Council of State Directors of Programs for the Gifted.
The short form of Guidelines lists policy recommendations in five key areas and includes a Checklist for Developing an Academic Acceleration Policy. You can download the short form (PDF, 20 pages, 1.05 MB) and request free print copies from Dr. Maureen Marron.
The long form includes five appendices that present definitions of acceleration, a survey of state acceleration policies, guidance on implementing acceleration, example language from state acceleration policies, and example referral forms. Download the long form for free (PDF, 46 pages, 656 KB)..
We welcome your feedback
Please submit your comments on the Guidelines document, on your school’s use of the document, or on other issues related to acceleration policy development.
Would you like to share your school or district’s acceleration policy?
Appendix D of the Guidelines has sample language from state acceleration policies. If you would like to have your school’s policy available for others to view, you may submit it here. IRPA is not reviewing local policies before posting, and posting the document on our website should not be taken as an endorsement of the policy.
Questions or comments can be directed to irpa@belinblank.org.