Policy 7250 – Acceleration Criteria for Grade 8
In accordance with Commissioner’s Regulations, students will be permitted to begin high school courses in at least two of the following subject areas: English, Regents mathematics, social studies, second language, Regents science, art, music and occupational education.
The Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee shall determine whether a student has demonstrated readiness in each subject in which he/she is to begin high school courses in 8th grade leading to a Regents diploma. The following screening criteria, where appropriate, will be used in order to determine readiness for acceleration:
- Total test battery or individual component results using a standardized test instrument (i.e., Terra Nova) with a minimum score at or above the 90th national percentile.
- Since all courses and final examinations per content area are departmentalized, an evaluation of past grades in the discipline for which acceleration has been requested will be conducted. A minimum average of 90 must have been attained per course.
- A review of the results from the cognitive abilities test.
- A review of the state-mandated test results in reading and mathematics with a minimum cut-off score of 90 percent earned.
- In order to assess student knowledge and foundation in the proposed area in which acceleration is desired, the student must pass the final examination of the 8th grade subject and earn at least a grade of 85 percent.
- Recommendation of the teacher or teachers in the field in which acceleration is requested.
- Parental/guardian consent must be obtained.
Adopted: 4/25/01