Reviewed by Davidson Institute for Talent Development.Acceleration in schooling is necessary to meet the educational needs of exceptionally gifted students. Acceleration results in the student completing formal school in less time than is usually required, and may be accomplished by early entrance to kindergarten, skipping grades, advanced placement, or receiving credit by examination.
In Growing Up Gifted Barbara Clark reviewed the research on acceleration including studies of Alexander & Skinner, 1980; Anderson, 1960; Bish & Fliegler, 1959; Braga, 1969; Brody & Benbow, 1987; Fund for the Advancement of Education, 1957; Gallagher, 1966; Justman, 1953, Lehman, 1953; Lucito, 1964; Morgan, Tennant, & Goldman, 1980; Plowman & Rice, 1967; Pressey, 1955; Reynolds, 1962; Terman & Oden, 1947; Worcester, 1955.
She reports that the research found that acceleration had "almost uniformly positive results" for gifted students. Clark synthesized the research and summarizes the following rationales and advantages for accelerating gifted students:
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