Thanks for clarifying. I can follow this better now. Looks like puffin was ahead of the curve in understanding the thread, way to go puffin!
These are my current thoughts, based on the Iowa Acceleration Scale (
IAS)...
- The IAS mentions potential use of the ITBS (at least 2 grade levels above child's current placement) as an assessment of aptitude.
- The IAS scoring on aptitude assessments consists of 3 bands: at or below 49th percentile, 50th-75th percentile, above 75th percentile.
- This is just one of MANY factors considered and data points collected in discussing the likelihood of a successful full-grade acceleration.
- The IAS does not mention using the ITBS as your school appears to be doing.
While the IAS is now in its 3rd edition, cost-conscious individuals can often purchase used, 2nd edition copies at greatly reduced prices online.
Some thoughts to consider, in addition to requesting your child's scores:
1) Share information about the IAS and the
Acceleration Institute with your child's school. The objective would be to have them adopt this comprehensive approach to decision-making regarding full-grade acceleration.
2) Invite your child's teachers, gifted coordinator, etc, to join the free Davidson
Educator's Guild.
3) When
advocating, remember to remain focused on your child's needs: Kids need an
appropriate academic challenge and
academic/intellectual peers. (You may wish to print, highlight, and share with your school the articles by experts mentioned in the previous two linked posts:
what a child doesn't learn,
Gifted children: Youth mental health update.)
