The School Board of Sarasota County believes that all children are entitled to an education that is challenging and is commensurate with their abilities and needs. Therefore, students who can exceed grade level and/or subject area expectations shall be provided opportunities to participate in accelerated learning.

I. Accelerated learning options shall include but not be limited to

A. Whole grade promotion;

B. Midyear promotion;

C. Subject matter acceleration;

D. Virtual instruction;

E. Advanced academic courses;

F. Credit Acceleration Program;

G. Enrichment programs; and

H. Early high school graduation.

II. School principals shall inform parents and students of available ACCEL options. Notification shall include but not be limited to

A. Accelerated learning options including early graduation;

B. Eligibility requirements;

C. Referral process and relevant deadlines; and

D. Performance contracts for students.

III. Student eligibility requirements shall be established at the school and district levels. Eligibility considerations shall include those established by law and other considerations as determined by the school or district.

IV. A student may be referred for academic acceleration by a teacher or parent.

V. An evaluation committee shall be established at each school to consider all referrals for academic acceleration. The committee shall determine a student’s eligibility for an acceleration program or accelerated class(es). The principal of the school is the final authority in the placement of students in programs or classes.

If promotion involves a change in schools, the executive directors and principals of both schools must be involved in the decision process.

VI. A performance contract shall be developed for each student who participates in an acceleration. The contract shall be signed by the student, parent, and school principal.

VII. Provisions for academic acceleration shall be contained in the Student Progression Plan.

VIII. The Superintendent or his/her designee(s) and schools shall establish procedures for the implementation of academic acceleration. The eligibility requirements, data sources to be used for evaluation, composition of the evaluation committee and methods of monitoring accelerated students shall be included in the procedures.

©EMCS

New: 04/02/19