So sorry about the district idiocy. What, they can't keep him safe in the middle school for 1 class? I would challenge them on that particular issue up front.

Here are a few resources that might help:

http://www.accelerationinstitute.org/Resources/Policy_Guidelines/ (very helpful website overall)
http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/articles_print_id_10314.aspx

You can also do a search for model acceleration guidelines or just "acceleration guidelines." I've only collected a few - from DeKalb County, Union Grove, Wisconsin, and a model from the Ohio Department of Education. I bet you would find more out there.

I'd also have the Iowa Acceleration Scale with me and refer to it.

I would directly address with the super. that you feel like this is being dismissed because you think one person involved is basing her decision on her own personal feelings and experiences. Say that while she is entitled to her opinion, she should not be making educational decisions for other peoples' children based on such anecdotal evidence and that it is unprofessional to do so. Point out all of the solid education research out there supporting acceleration and state to the super. that you expect the district to rely on research, not personal opinion which may be unfounded in reality(well, I don't think most education research is very solid, but better than a story from one person).

You can do it!

Cat

Last edited by Catalana; 10/15/10 11:17 AM.