Originally Posted by madeinuk
Quote
I also can't help but wonder if the need to skip ahead could be due more to slowing the pace and keeping content superficial...

I concur.
Yes, lowering the bar... in the classroom and/or on standardized tests may be a contributing factor in the larger-than-may-be-expected number of children testing above grade level (15%-45%). Regardless the reason, there exist a number of kiddos for whom standard curriculum is a disservice. These are kids who need "more" in order to learn something new every day.

Originally Posted by madeinuk
But on the other hand over half of NJ were below grade level:-

link here
Ah, but the grade skipping article is focused on those students who are performing above grade level.