There is more good legislative news for gifted education, this time at the state level. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper signed HB 1023 into law on March 22. HB 1023 requires all school districts to develop procedures for reviewing and implementing academic acceleration. (The full text of the bill can be found here.)
The basis of the law is the extensive research on the benefits of academic acceleration as an education intervention for gifted and high-ability students. The Institute for Research and Policy on Acceleration provides research, instruments for making decisions about acceleration, and policy advice.
States and districts that are seeking guidance on writing acceleration policy can consult Guidelines for Developing an Academic Acceleration Policy. The Guidelines document
- Presents recommendations in five key areas for components of an acceleration policy.
- Supports schools in creating a comprehensive and research-based acceleration policy that is compatible with local policies.
- Provides an easy-to-use Checklist for Developing an Academic Acceleration Policy to guide policy development.
Congratulations to the Colorado advocates for their successful efforts!
