Spring-Ford Area School District
857 South Lewis road, Royersford, pa 19468
Philosophy of Acceleration
It is the philosophy of the Spring-Ford Area School District that all students should be placed in
instructional programs in which they can achieve their maximum academic potential.
In reference to Acceleration of a students’ instructional program, the district considers
acceleration to be:
1. Subject Acceleration
2. Grade Acceleration
and utilizes the following definitions to assist with the protocols for acceleration. These
definitions are as follows:
Definition of Acceleration:
Acceleration refers to the concept of altering the pace or speed of learning and providing more
sophisticated resources for learning in order to challenge learners. Within this definition, the
following questions may be utilized to assist the intent for acceleration. These questions are:
1. What advanced resources can be used to enhance understanding of the subject under
study?
2. What are the strategies needed to study the subject at a more sophisticated level?
Definition of Differentiated Instruction:
Differentiated Instruction is the method in which teachers meet the needs of the variety of
learners in the classroom. Instruction may be differentiated according to the preferred learning
style of the student, the interests of the student or the academic readiness that the student
exhibits on a given content to be studied. Teachers may use various techniques such as
curriculum compacting or tiered instruction in order to address the various skill and knowledge
levels that students bring to the class each day.
Definition of Subject Acceleration:
Subject Acceleration refers to any option that allows a student to gain exposure to advanced
content and skills beyond the average curriculum standards that are expected for a certain age
or grade level.
Definition of Grade Acceleration:
1. Grade Acceleration refers to any option that shortens the number of years a child
spends in mastering the K-12 curriculum.
SFASD – Acceleration Guidelines-Parent/Staff Information (September 4, 2014)
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Definition of Mental Giftedness:
Mentally gifted is defined as outstanding intellectual and creative ability the development of
which requires specially designed programs or support services, or both, not ordinarily provided
in the regular education program. (22 Pa. Code §16.1)
Acceleration Frameworks
In conjunction with the definitions above, the Spring-Ford Area School district will employ the
following framework in regards to the Acceleration of a student’s instructional program.
Please Note: Applications are due by May 5th. The program acceleration will commence at
the onset of the upcoming school year, with transition plans being determined by the team of
stakeholders no later than July 1st.
K-2 Acceleration Framework:
Differentiated instruction is provided in various subjects within the general education
classroom. The teacher of the mentally gifted is available to collaborate with the grade
K-2 teachers.
Note: Students, who have been identified as mentally gifted via the use of a state
approved cognitive abilities test, work with the teacher of the Mentally Gifted on a
rotational basis. Students work on enrichment topics and thinking skills techniques.
3-8 Acceleration Frameworks:
Differentiated instruction is provided in various subjects within the general education
classroom. The teacher of the mentally gifted is available to collaborate with the grade 36 teachers.
Note: Students, who have been identified as mentally gifted via the use of a state
approved cognitive abilities test, work with the teacher of the mentally gifted on a
rotational basis. Students work on enrichment topics and thinking skills techniques.
In addition, all students who have demonstrated an affinity for specific subject matter
may be eligible for subject specific acceleration in the areas of Mathematics or
Language Arts based upon the district approved criteria.
9-12 Acceleration Frameworks:
Students may accelerate their instructional program through a variety of class and
course offerings by way of the course selection process.
SFASD – Acceleration Guidelines-Parent/Staff Information (September 4, 2014)
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Acceleration Process
The Acceleration Process for the Spring-Ford Area School district will employ the following
steps:
3-8 Subject Acceleration Process:
1. Formal request for acceleration is made (in writing) by either the parent/guardian or
the classroom teacher.
2. The requesting party (parent/guardian or teacher) will be provided with the following
forms:
a. Parent/Guardian
i. Subject (or) Grade Level Acceleration Parent/Guardian Application
Form
ii. Acceleration Handbook(s)
b. Teacher
i. Classroom/School Questionnaire-Teacher Questionnaire (including
supporting data)
ii. Acceleration Handbook(s)
3. Staff member/teacher will complete the Classroom/School Questionnaire (Teacher
Questionnaire)
4. Acceleration Checklist(s) will be completed
5. Team (Parent/guardian, Principal, Counselor, Psychologist, Classroom Teacher,
Teacher of the Gifted, and/or any other necessary Staff Members) meeting will be
convened to review the results
6. Determination of Acceleration
7. Appeals Process (if needed)
a. Parents/Guardians who do not agree with the decision of the district team
may request that the Assistant Superintendent review the information and
procedure regarding their child to assure appropriate procedural
implementation.
3-8 Grade Acceleration Process:
1. Formal request for acceleration is made (in writing) by either the parent/guardian or
the classroom teacher.
2. Meet the requirements for both Language Arts and Math Checklists, as well as meet
the criteria via the Iowa Acceleration Scale.
3. GIEP Team Meeting
NOTE: Grade level Acceleration may only occur one time during Grades 3-8.
9-12 Acceleration Process:
NOTE: Please contact your school counselor.
SFASD – Acceleration Guidelines-Parent/Staff Information (September 4, 2014)
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SPRING-FORD AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
857 South Lewis Road, Royersford, PA 19468
SUBJECT ACCELERATION PARENT/GUARDIAN APPLICATION FORM
Child’s Name ________________________ Sex _______ Birthdate______________________
Current School ______________________ Current Grade ___________ Date _____________
Parent/Guardian’s Name __________________________ Phone _______________________
Street Address ____________________________ City ____________________ Zip ________
Parent/Guardian’s Name __________________________ Phone _______________________
Street Address ____________________________ City ____________________ Zip ________
Please answer all questions. Be sure each response is as complete as possible. Use the
back of the form if needed.
Parent Perceptions:
1. Why are you seeking subject acceleration for your child?
2. Describe those behaviors or accomplishments that lead you to believe your child has
exceptional abilities in this (these) subject area(s).
3. What motivates your child?
4. List words or phrases you would use to describe your child.
SFASD – Acceleration Guidelines-Parent/Staff Information (September 4, 2014)
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5. Describe your child’s social relationships with peers and adults.
6. What kind of situations are likely to upset your child? How does your child respond to these
situations?
7. What information have you had access to regarding subject acceleration (books, articles,
professional contacts, personal contacts)? What advice have you been given?
8. What do you see as possible advantages and disadvantages of subject acceleration for your
child?
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
9. How does your child feel about subject acceleration?
10. How do you see subject acceleration in school affecting your child in the future (middle
school, high school, post-secondary school)?
11. DEVELOPMENT HISTORY
A. At what age did your child walk independently? ____________________________
B) At what age did your child begin to talk in phrases?
______________________
C) At what age did your child read independently? ____________________________
D) What activities has your child participated in outside of school?
SFASD – Acceleration Guidelines-Parent/Staff Information (September 4, 2014)
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SPRING-FORD AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
857 South Lewis Road, Royersford, PA 19468
SUBJECT ACCELERATION TEACHER APPLICATION
Child’s Name ________________________ Sex _______ Birthdate______________________
Street Address ____________________________ City ____________________ Zip ________
Current Grade ___________
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject(s) accelerated
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Assessment(s) given __________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Results (See Attached):
Recommendations:
SFASD – Acceleration Guidelines-Parent/Staff Information (September 4, 2014)
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SPRING-FORD AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
857 South Lewis Road, Royersford, PA 19468
CLASSROOM/SCHOOL QUESTIONNAIRE (TEACHER QUESTIONNAIRE)
Student’s Name ________________________________ Birthdate______________________
Parent/Guardian’s Name __________________________ Phone _______________________
Street Address ____________________________ City ____________________ Zip ________
Parent/Guardian’s Name __________________________ Phone _______________________
Street Address ____________________________ City ____________________ Zip ________
Current School _______________________________________ Current Grade ___________
Dates of Attendance: Beginning Date _______________ to Present Date _________________
Names of other school staff/teachers who have worked with the student:
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The following questionnaire is to be completed by the student’s classroom teacher, if grade
acceleration is being considered; or subject area teacher(s), if subject acceleration is being
considered.
1. Describe the child’s strengths in academic achievement. Provide levels of development and
interest in subject areas.
2. Has this student required enrichment or acceleration activities in any or all subject areas to
meet his or her educational needs (e.g. ability grouping, FOCUS program, subject acceleration
in the classroom, etc.)? If so, please describe these interventions and their level of success.
SFASD – Acceleration Guidelines-Parent/Staff Information (September 4, 2014)
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3. Describe the child's weaknesses in academic achievement.
4. Describe the child's strengths in social-emotional functioning.
5. Describe the child's weaknesses in social-emotional functioning.
6. Describe the child's work and study habits (following directions, on-task, work completion,
organization, etc.).
7. Describe the child's social relationships with peers and adults.
8. Describe the child's motor skill development (fine and gross motor).
9. Describe the child's personality and interests.
10. List words or phrases you would use to describe this student.
SFASD – Acceleration Guidelines-Parent/Staff Information (September 4, 2014)
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SPRING-FORD AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
857 South Lewis Road, Royersford, PA 19468
GRADE ACCELERATION PARENT/GUARDIAN APPLICATION FORM
Child’s Name ________________________ Sex _______ Birthdate______________________
Current School ______________________ Current Grade ___________ Date _____________
Parent/Guardian’s Name __________________________ Phone _______________________
Street Address ____________________________ City ____________________ Zip ________
Parent/Guardian’s Name __________________________ Phone _______________________
Street Address ____________________________ City ____________________ Zip ________
Please answer all questions. Be sure each response is as complete as possible.
Use the back of the form if needed.
Parent Perceptions:
1. Why are you seeking grade acceleration for your child?
2. Describe those behaviors or accomplishments that lead you to believe your child has
exceptional intellectual abilities.
3. What motivates your child?
4. List words or phrases you would use to describe your child.
SFASD – Acceleration Guidelines-Parent/Staff Information (September 4, 2014)
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5. What kind of situations are likely to upset your child? How does your child respond to these
situations?
6. What information have you had access to regarding grade acceleration (books, articles,
professional contacts, personal contacts)? What advice have you been given?
7. What do you see as possible advantages and disadvantages of grade acceleration for your
child?
A.) Advantages:
B) Disadvantages:
8. How does your child feel about grade acceleration?
9. How do you see grade acceleration in school affecting your child in the future (middle school,
high school, post-secondary school)?
10. Development History:
A. At what age did your child walk independently? _________________________
B. At what age did your child begin to talk in phrases?
___________________
C. At what age did your child read independently? _________________________
D. What activities has your child participated in outside of school?
SFASD – Acceleration Guidelines-Parent/Staff Information (September 4, 2014)
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SPRING-FORD AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
857 South Lewis Road, Royersford, PA 19468
GRADE ACCELERATION TEACHER APPLICATION
Child’s Name ________________________ Sex _______ Birthdate______________________
Street Address ____________________________ City ____________________ Zip ________
Current Grade ___________
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject(s) accelerated
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Assessment(s) given __________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Results (See Attached):
Recommendations:
SFASD – Acceleration Guidelines-Parent/Staff Information (September 4, 2014)
11
SPRING-FORD AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
857 South Lewis Road, Royersford, PA 19468
CLASSROOM/SCHOOL QUESTIONNAIRE (TEACHER QUESTIONNAIRE)
Student’s Name ________________________________ Birthdate______________________
Parent/Guardian’s Name __________________________ Phone _______________________
Street Address ____________________________ City ____________________ Zip ________
Parent/Guardian’s Name __________________________ Phone _______________________
Street Address ____________________________ City ____________________ Zip ________
Current School _______________________________________ Current Grade ___________
Dates of Attendance: Beginning Date _______________ to Present Date _________________
Names of other school staff/teachers who have worked with the student:
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The following questionnaire is to be completed by the student’s classroom teacher, if grade
acceleration is being considered; or subject area teacher(s), if subject acceleration is being
considered.
2. Describe the child’s strengths in academic achievement. Provide levels of development and
interest in subject areas.
2. Has this student required enrichment or acceleration activities in any or all subject areas to
meet his or her educational needs (e.g. ability grouping, FOCUS program, subject acceleration
in the classroom, etc.)? If so, please describe these interventions and their level of success.
SFASD – Acceleration Guidelines-Parent/Staff Information (September 4, 2014)
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3. Describe the child's weaknesses in academic achievement.
4. Describe the child's strengths in social-emotional functioning.
5. Describe the child's weaknesses in social-emotional functioning.
6. Describe the child's work and study habits (following directions, on-task, work completion,
organization, etc.).
7. Describe the child's social relationships with peers and adults.
8. Describe the child's motor skill development (fine and gross motor).
9. Describe the child's personality and interests.
10. List words or phrases you would use to describe this student.
SFASD – Acceleration Guidelines-Parent/Staff Information (September 4, 2014)
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