acceleration

 Acceleration refers to an intervention that allows gifted students to move through the regular curriculum more quickly than their age peers, addressing their faster pace of learning and their need for intellectual challenge. It has long term benefits, both academically and socially. There are 18 identified types of acceleration that can be made available to students and schools. These fall into 2 broad categories: grade-based acceleration and subject-based acceleration. Utilising acceleration as a means of provision demonstrates a response to individual differences and thus ensures equitable provisions of opportunity for all students. It is a school-wide provision that works effectively only when supported across the school.  The implementation of any acceleration program relies on a set of administrative strategies that enable educators to cater efficiently, effectively and equitably for these students. Acceleration allows the student to progress through the core content of a school programme at a natural rate rather than being restricted by artificially imposed steps of progression. It is important that decisions involve classroom teachers at both current and proposed level, parents, principals and the student. Any decisions on acceleration of a student need to be aligned with the BOS guidelines on acceleration and must be discussed with the relevant CEO personnel or the Executive Director of Education in the Diocese. The process needs to be regarded as an IEP and all documentation must be maintained and filed for reference. (Bathurst CEO Support Document)