Overview of D38 Elementary Math Acceleration

District 38 utilizes a rigorous and challenging core curriculum that is designed to meet the needs of our academically talented population. In grades K-3, the needs of students who demonstrate mastery of grade-level standards and show exceptionally advanced math skills will be met through differentiation, enrichment, and curriculum compacting in the classroom. Partial grade acceleration for math is not considered until the end of Grade 3. Partial grade acceleration is only considered when the evaluation team feels that the instruction and differentiation available in the student’s age-appropriate grade level would not be able to effectively meet the student’s advanced needs.  

Pre-Requisites 

Students will only be considered for math acceleration when they have demonstrated the following:

• Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Math RIT scores consistently at the 99th percentile (4 out of the 5 most recent administrations)
• In-class assessment performance average at 95% and above (minimum of at least 3 scores to average)

Referral Process

All Sears students are considered for math acceleration at the end of third grade. Students who meet the above prerequisites will be automatically considered for math acceleration beginning in 4th grade. Parents/Guardians may also make a request for math acceleration. 

Teachers, parents/guardians, or other qualified individuals who would like a student to be considered for math acceleration should complete the D38 Math Acceleration Referral Form. Referrals will be considered between the months of May and September. Please email your child’s teacher and/or the Director of Student Services to let them know you have completed the referral form. 

The Referral Form has three sections:

1. Identifying Information
2. Parent/Guardian Questionnaire
3. Consent for Evaluation

Within 30 school days after receiving a referral, the Student Evaluation Team determines whether an evaluation for accelerated placement is warranted. The Director of Student Services gives the parent/guardian written notice of the referral outcome. For cases not warranting an evaluation, the process ends here. For cases warranting an evaluation, the evaluation proceeds with the steps below and is completed within 60 school days.

Evaluation Process

The Student Evaluation Team conducts the assessment, which may include a review of existing records, parent and teacher input, additional testing in the areas of math achievement and aptitude, and possible observations of the student in their current classroom setting. The student evaluation team includes the Director of Student Services and one or more of the following: Building Administrator, Age Appropriate Teacher representative(s), School Psychologist, and other team members as deemed necessary. Time for the student to participate in testing is scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time. One or two testing sessions may be scheduled. 

The following assessment procedures will be used to determine eligibility for partial grade math acceleration:

Step 1: Review of Records  

• Existing district assessment scores are reviewed and the following criteria are considered:
  • History of MAP Math scores at the 99th percentile (4 out of 5 most recent data points) 
  • Most recent MAP Math score is at least 2 standard deviations above the current grade level mean 
  • Most recent MAP Math score is at least 1 standard deviation above the next grade level mean 
• Existing classroom test performance scores 
  • Most recent school year unit test scores are consistently 95% accuracy or above 

Step 2: Achievement Testing 

• End of Year Math Assessment for current grade level to be skipped - score of 85% or above and mastery of prioritized standards 

Step 3: Ability Testing 

• CogAT Cognitive Abilities Quantitative Subtest - score of 99th percentile 

Step 4: Collection of Additional Data as Needed 

• Possible additional data may include an interview of the classroom teacher, an interview of the student, and an observation of the student in the current classroom setting. 

Placement Recommendation

The Student Evaluation team will review all data collected and information provided to decide eligibility for math acceleration. Written notice of the eligibility outcomes will be provided. If the criteria are met and the recommendation is made to accelerate the student, a plan will be made with the parent/guardian to identify strategies to support the student in the accelerated placement as needed. It may be recommended that a review of the effectiveness of the placement be conducted within the first three months of school. 

If the Student Evaluation Team does not recommend math acceleration, the parent(s)/guardian(s) may appeal the decision within 10 calendar days after receiving the determination by submitting a written request to the Superintendent. Within 30 calendar days of receiving the written appeal request, or before August 15th, the Superintendent and appeals team will review the case and provide the parent(s)/guardian(s) with written notice of their decision. The Superintendent’s decision is final.