Illinois Acceleration Act
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 can be submitted between January 1st and April 30th of the previous school year.
Acceleration
Math Acceleration
District 34 already has a math acceleration program for students when they are in middle school that results in some students being two years ahead by the time they start high school. A student that is granted acceleration through the Acceleration Act will be one year accelerated prior to 6th grade, but they will eventually be three years accelerated in math at the start of high school. This should be highly considered prior to submitting a request to join this pathway, for the student will likely not align with their peers in terms of emotional and physical development, interests, and maturity.
Additionally, the schedule for students who are on an individual accelerated pathway can be isolating and involves travel. This document shows an example of what can be expected: Single-Subject Acceleration Impact on Student Schedule.
Process for consideration for Single-Subject Math Acceleration up to 5th grade:
Current and Historical Data:
| Test Name | Score Needed |
|---|---|
|
K - 2: AimsWeb Plus Math Benchmark |
The average composite score of the last three scores achieved needs to be at least in the 95th percentile. |
|
3 - 8: NWEA MAP Math Benchmark |
The average of the last three scores achieved needs to be at least in the 95th percentile. |
| CogAT | The SAS score needs to be at least in the 95th percentile. |
Additional Assessments Required:
| Test Name | Score Needed |
|---|---|
|
K - 2: AimsWeb Plus Math Benchmark taken for the next grade level |
Composite score of at least the 95th percentile. |
|
3 - 8: NWEA MAP Math Benchmark taken for the next grade level |
Score of at least the 95th percentile. |
| Math Content Test for the grade level that will be skipped | 90% correct with no major skill deficiencies. |
-
Team consisting of District 34 administrators and teachers. All data including parent and teacher feedback is reviewed.
-
Matrix was modeled after the IOWA Acceleration Scale
ELA Acceleration
Process for consideration for Single-Subject ELA Acceleration:
Current and Historical Data:
| Test Name | Score Needed |
|---|---|
|
K - 2: AimsWeb Plus Literacy Benchmark |
The average of the last three composite scores achieved needs to be at least in the 95th percentile. |
|
3 - 8: NWEA MAP Reading Benchmark |
The average of the last three scores achieved needs to be at least in the 95th percentile.
|
| CogAT | The SAS score needs to be at least in the 95th percentile. |
Additional Assessments Required:
| Test Name | Score Needed |
|---|---|
|
K - 2: AimsWeb Plus Literacy Benchmark taken for the next grade level |
Composite score of at least the 95th percentile. |
|
3 - 8: NWEA MAP Reading Benchmark taken for the next grade level |
Score of at least the 95th percentile. |
-
Team consisting of District 34 administrators and teachers. All data including parent and teacher feedback is reviewed.
-
Matrix was modeled after the IOWA Acceleration Scale
Whole-Grade Acceleration
Process for consideration for Whole-Grade Acceleration:
Current and Historical Data:
| Test Name | Score Needed |
|---|---|
|
K - 2: AimsWeb Plus Literacy Benchmark |
The average of the last three composite scores achieved needs to be at least in the 95th percentile. |
|
K - 2: AimsWeb Plus Math Benchmark |
The average of the last three composite scores achieved needs to be at least in the 95th percentile. |
|
3 - 8: NWEA MAP Reading Benchmark |
The average of the last three scores achieved needs to be at least in the 95th percentile. |
|
3 - 8: NWEA MAP Math Benchmark |
The average of the last three scores achieved needs to be at least in the 95th percentile. |
| CogAT | The SAS score needs to be at least in the 95th percentile. |
Additional Assessments Required:
| Test Name | Score Needed |
|---|---|
|
K - 2: AimsWeb Plus Literacy Benchmark taken for the next grade level |
Composite score of at least the 95th percentile. |
|
K - 2: AimsWeb Plus Math Benchmark taken for the next grade level |
Composite score of at least the 95th percentile. |
|
3 - 8: NWEA MAP Reading Benchmark taken for the next grade level |
Score of at least the 95th percentile. |
|
3 - 8: NWEA MAP Math Benchmark taken for the next grade level |
Score of at least the 95th percentile. |
| Math Content Test for the grade level that will be skipped | 90% correct with no major skill deficiencies. |
-
Team consisting of District 34 administrators and teachers. All data including parent and teacher feedback is reviewed.
-
Matrix was modeled after the IOWA Acceleration Scale
Early Entrance
Students may apply for early entrance to Kindergarten or First Grade.
Kindergarten
To be considered for early entrance to Kindergarten according to the policies of District 34 and the State of Illinois, children must turn 5 years of age by September 30 of their Kindergarten year.
Steps for Consideration for Early Entrance to Kindergarten:
First Grade
To be considered for early entrance to First Grade according to the policies of District 34 and the State of Illinois, children must meet the following criteria. The child:
- attended a non-public preschool and will complete kindergarten at that same facility.
- was taught by an appropriately certified kindergarten teacher.
- will turn 6 years of age between September 2 and December 31 of their first grade year.
Steps for Consideration for Early Entrance to First Grade:
| Day 1 (30-40 Minutes) | Day 2 (45 Minutes) |
|---|---|
|
AimsWeb Plus Literacy Benchmark (for the desired grade level) |
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Screener |
| AimsWeb Plus Math Benchmark (for the desired grade level) |
Point Determination Table:
| 2 Points | 1 Point | 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
AimsWeb Literacy (Fall Norms) |
99%-95% |
94%-90% | <89% |
|
AimsWeb Math (Fall Norms) |
99%-95% | 94%-90% | <89% |
| CogAT | 99%-95% SAS | 94%-90% SAS | <89% SAS |
Point Totals and Results:
| Matrix Points Earned | Screening Results |
|---|---|
| 6 |
Early Entrance will be offered |
| 5 | Early Entrance will be offered |
| < 5 | Early Entrance will not be offered |
6. Results shared with parents via letter through email.
7. If granted, the Gifted Coordinator will notify the school about the student's acceleration.