Acceleration Programme

the Acceleration Programme

By: FIONA CLARKE, QUAICIAN FRAZER AND DENESE ALLEN

​Intro

• What parents should do if their child is eligible

• Teachers supporting students in this programme​

• ​Advantages and disadvantages to this programme

• Where to find acceleration programmes in Jamaica

• ​The definition and types of acceleration programmes

• The major importance​ of the acceleration programme

• Students who are eligible for this programme​

To be discussed:

​Acceleration is an intervention that moves students through an educational program at a more rapid rate than their age-mates.

​​What is an Acceleration Programme?

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​The goal of acceleration is to tailor the level and complexity of the

curriculum to the ability and academic readiness of individual children (Colangelo et al., 2004).

There are over 15 different types of acceleration programmes:

Early admission to kindergarten, early admission to first grade, grade skipping, continuous progress, self-[aced instruction, sybject matter acceleration/partial acceleration, combined classes, curriculum compacting, telescoping curriculum, mentoring, extracurricular programmes, correspondence cources, early graduation,, concurrent/dual enrollment, advanced placement, credit by examination, acceleration in college, early entrance into primary school, highschool or college ​

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​Types of acceleration programmes

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Poll

Why do you believe that the acceleration programme is important?

• It helps gifted learners to reach their full academic potential.

• It helps students who read below the grade level to automatically catch up with gifted learners.

• Students can benefit emotionally from this programme.

• Less boredom and disinterest will occur in the instructional process.

​The importance of acceleration programmes

Research indicates that students who are properly accelerated benefit significantly, both academically and emotionally. Accelerated gifted and talented students and other high ability students perform at higher levels on achievement tests and are less likely to become bored and disinterested in school than similarly able students who are not accelerated.​

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When the level of instruction is not rigorous and expectations are low, gifted learners may settle into patterns of underachievement. These students are at risk of developing poor organizational/study skills and far worse, may not reach their full potential.

Teaching of Gifted and Talented Students

Poll

Select the students you believe are eligible for the acceleration programme.

• Students who are emotionally mature and motivated.

• Students who respond skeptically to the idea of acceleration.

• Students who are sufficiently challenged by the curriculum at his or her current grade level.

• Students who demonstrate above average general cognitive ability.

Most good candidates for acceleration display some of the following characteristics:

• demonstrates above average general cognitive ability;

• ​achieves academically in one or more subject areas a grade level or at a higher level than his or her age-mates;

• expresses a desire for more challenging instruction;

• is socially mature enough to adapt to an environment serving older students;

• or responds positively to the possibility of acceleration.

Acceleration requires high academic ability. Standardized test scores and teacher observation can

provide evidence that a student has mastered the current curriculum and is ready for a faster-paced

and more complex curriculum. (Colangelo et al., 2004) Motivation and social-emotional maturity

are also important indications that a highly capable student may be a good candidate for

acceleration.

Students' eligibility for the acceleration programme​

Multiple Choice

What should parents do if they believe their child is eligible for the acceleration programme?

• Place the child in another grade the following day.

• Pull the child out of school for homeschooling.

• Engage in a conference with the teacher and other members of the administrative body.

• Recommend the teacher to continue teaching without any changes to the instruction or curriculum.

​What should parents do if they believe their child is eligible for the acceleration programme?

Begin by discussing your concerns with your child. If your child is interested and open to the idea, contact your child’s teacher or advisor to schedule a conference. Be prepared to discuss your concerns and provide specific information as to why you believe the level and complexity of your child’s instruction should be modified.

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What can teachers do to support students in the acceleration programme?

1. Recognize gifted children by using formal measures (tests) and informal observations.

2. Provide new challenges in and out of the classroom.

3. Inform parents about acceleration options throughout the child’s academic career.

4. Minimize teaching students what they already know.

5. "Make school a positive experience for all students...including the brightest". (Colangelo et al 2004)

6. Reserve judgment as to the success or failure of an acceleration during the adjustment period.

1. Influences negative self-concept​

2. ​Teachers might not be adequately trained

3. ​Gifted programs are underfunded

4. ​Too high expectations

​Disadvantages

1. Influences positive self-concept

2. ​Provides academic challenge

3. ​Increased academic engagement

4. ​Increased sense of belonging and socialization

5. ​Raises Level of instruction

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Acceleration Programme

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​Advantages

​Some Jamaican primary schools facilitate acceleration of gifted students through grade skipping on a case by case basis.

​Jamaican primary schools

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​Founded in 1994, catering to the needs of gifted and talented youths​

​​Deokoro Magnet Schools for the Gifted and Talented

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​​Where can we find acceleration programmes in Jamaica?

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Open Ended

Type something about the acceleration programme that you learned today!

​Reference

​Acceleration of gifted students - saint paul public schools. (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2022, from https://www.spps.org/cms/lib/MN01910242/Centricity/Domain/1524/MDE%20AccelerationFAQ.pdf.pdf

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Acceleration what factors should be considered when accelerating gifted students to ensure their success? - PPT video online download. SlidePlayer. (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2022, from https://slideplayer.com/slide/3443369/

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Curriculum compacting. Curriculum Compacting | National Association for Gifted Children. (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2022, from https://www.nagc.org/resources-publications/gifted-education-practices/curriculum-compacting

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Take online courses. earn college credit. Research Schools, Degrees & Careers. Study.com | Take Online Courses. Earn College Credit. Research Schools, Degrees & Careers. (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2022, from https://study.com/academy/lesson/acceleration-options-for-gifted-students.html

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