You are correct in that acceleration cannot proceed without the gifted spcialist doing her assessment and making the recommendation, which is then rubber-stamped by her superiors in the district office. However, the school administration serves as the gatekeeper in adminstering the end-of-year type assessments to determine whether the student is at least a couple of grades above level to warrant as assessment by the gifted specialist.
In thinking it over the last few days, I think that it would be okay if I send them an email, not so much requesting assessment/acceleration, but perhaps asking for their ideas/suggestions/possibilities in the district.
