IKEB ©
ACCELERATION

It is the intent of the Governing Board to provide educational opportunities for students who demonstrate exceptional capabilities in a subject area taught at a level above the normal age-grade placement of the student.  Such accelerated placement shall include subject areas taught at the high school level and/or accelerated course work/enrichment course work in schools, colleges, or universities.

Definitions.  For the purpose of this policy, an accelerated student is one who has both demonstrated the ability to profit from advanced course work in specific subject matter and exceed existing curriculum.

When acceleration is judged to be in the best interest of the student's academic progress, there must be close cooperation between the parents and all school personnel involved.  Each student will have individual consideration, and decisions will be made only after a careful study of facts relating to all phases of the student's growth and development.  The student's academic achievement level and mental ability are important, but physical and social characteristics are also determining factors.  A decision should be based on sufficient data collected over a period of time, and motivated by a desire to place the student in the school program where the most success will result.

The final decision to accelerate a student will be made by the principal of the school in which the accelerated course work or program is offered.  In cases where high school students are seeking approval of course work taken at the college or university level, the decision of the high school principal is final.  Advice of parents and of school and District staff members will be used in making final decisions.  Parental involvement in all steps of the process is vital.  Parents should sign a letter of agreement if they consent to the acceleration of their child.

If parents do not approve the decision regarding the acceleration of the student, they may appeal the decision to the Superintendent.  Further appeal, if necessary, may be made to the Board.  The Superintendent is directed to develop criteria, limitations, and regulations to implement this policy.

Adopted:  date of manual adoption

LEGAL REF.: 
A.R.S. 
15-701.01

CROSS REF.: 
IKE - Promotion and Retention of Students