District 34 believes that all students across the achievement spectrum should be challenged and supported to develop their potential. For some students needing a higher level of instruction, this can best be achieved by affording them access to curricula and learning environments more commonly provided to older students. Early entrance to kindergarten, early entrance to first grade, whole grade acceleration, and individual subject acceleration in math or reading has been integrated into D34 policies and procedures.  Request forms for each school year will be considered through March 1 of the previous school year.

*Please note, outside evaluations will not be considered.

Steps for Consideration for Whole-Grade Acceleration or Single-Subject Acceleration in Math or ELA:

1.  Submit Request Form.

2.  Gifted Coordinator conducts initial data review:  (minimum score for all criteria below is 95th percentile and all criteria must be met)

• For ELA Acceleration: 
  • Average of the last three AimsWeb Plus Literacy Benchmark assessments
  • Average of the last three NWEA MAP Reading score
  • CogAT Composite
• For Math Acceleration: 
  • Average of the last three AimsWeb Plus Math Benchmark assessments
  • Average of the last three NWEA MAP Math scores
  • CogAT Composite
• For Whole-Grade Acceleration: 
  • Average of the last three AimsWeb Plus Literacy Benchmark assessments
  • Average of the last three AimsWeb Plus Math Benchmark assessments
  • Average of the last three NWEA MAP Reading score
  • Average of the last three NWEA MAP Math scores
  • CogAT Composite

3.  Additional feedback is gathered from teacher(s) and parent(s).

4.  Matrix data review team meeting (Matrix was modeled after the IOWA Acceleration Scale)

• Team consists of District 34 administrators and teachers.  All data including parent and teacher feedback is reviewed. 

5.  Result shared with parent via letter.