Policy Template
Based on the information we gather about acceleration policies and procedures in each state, as well as other research and publications, we are preparing an acceleration policy template. This template will provide a model for states and school districts to write acceleration policy and procedures. The template will be available here in early June.
Please consider the following talk by Maureen Marron and Ryan Gerling of IRPA that presents some suggestions for an acceleration policy: Academic Acceleration Policies
Over the next few weeks, until we present our policy template, we encourage those writing an acceleration policy to visit the Website of the Ohio Department of Education gifted education services unit.
In most states, acceleration policies are determined at the local (school or district) level. Ohio is one of only a few states that has a written state acceleration policy. The acceleration policy is included within the state's gifted education legislation and planning.
All Ohio school districts must have an acceleration policy (see the Model Student Acceleration Policy for Advanced Learners) that specifically addresses the needs of some high ability students for whole grade acceleration, subject area acceleration, and early high school graduation. Districts may write their own acceleration policy; however, that policy must conform to state policy guidelines (see the Acceleration Policy Review Form).
The Gifted Education section of the ODE Website has additional documents and information about Ohio's gifted legislation and acceleration policy, including case studies of accelerated students.