Acceleration is a topic that has been suggested as an appropriate, cost-effective option for highly gifted students considerably throughout the past few years, even dating back decades. Numerous researchers tout acceleration to be “appropriate educational planning. It means matching the level and complexity of the curriculum with the readiness and motivation of the student” (A nation deceived: How schools hold back America’s brightest students (PDF)). This is why it is surprising that there are still some concerns among parents and teachers among acceleration and grade skipping, with the notion among some that inclusion in an age-matched group is more appropriate for gifted learners.
Radical Acceleration: Responding to Academic and Social Needs of Extremely Gifted Adolescents - In this article, Miraca Gross explains that although many teachers and principals argue against acceleration, research strongly supports the value of grade acceleration for highly and extremely gifted children. The most frequently expressed concern relates to the possibility of social or emotional damage resulting for students who have been accelerated. Research, however, has consistently shown that the acceleration of gifted students is associated with positive changes in their academic development as well as a greater social acceptance from mental age peers with whom accelerated students are placed. Further, research demonstrates that students' social and emotional development is more highly correlated with mental age than chronological age. Finally, research suggests that gifted students who are early college entrants, have superior academic achievements when compared to both regular age college students and equally gifted students who did not enter college early. We grade-skipped our daughter. Here’s why you should consider doing it, too. - In this Washington Post article, Jennifer Jeanne Patterson discusses the possible benefits of grade-skipping. Tips for Parents: Acceleration for Middle and High School Students - Factors that should be considered when discussing acceleration; advocacy: working with your child’s school; credit and placement; early entrance to college; alternatives to grade-skipping.Browse all our articles on academic acceleration >
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The following disclosure is provided pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 598.1305:The Davidson Institute for Talent Development is a Nevada non-profit corporation which is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt private operating foundation. We are dedicated to supporting the intellectual and social development of profoundly gifted students age 18 and under through a variety of programs. Contributions are tax deductible. Profoundly gifted students are those who score in the 99.9th percentile on IQ and achievement tests. Read more about this population in this article.