6:135 Accelerated Placement Program

The District provides an Accelerated Placement Program (APP). The APP advances the District’s goal of providing educational programs with opportunities for each student to develop to his or her maximum potential. The APP provides an educational setting with curriculum options usually reserved for students who are older or in higher grades than the student participating in the APP. APP options include, but may not be limited to: (a) accelerating a student in a single subject; (b) other grade-level acceleration; and (c) early entrance to kindergarten or first grade. Participation in the APP is open to all students who demonstrate high ability and who may benefit from accelerated placement. It is not limited to students who have been identified as gifted and talented. Eligibility to participate in the District’s APP shall not be conditioned upon the protected classifications identified in Board policy 7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities, or any factor other than the student’s identification as an accelerated learner.

The Superintendent or designee shall implement an APP that includes:

1. Decision-making processes that are fair, equitable, and involve multiple individuals, e.g. District administrators, teachers, and school support personnel, and a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s).
2. Processes that provide a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) with:
   • Written notification when their child is eligible for enrollment in accelerated courses; and
   • Notification of a decision affecting their child’s participation in the APP.
3. Assessment processes that include multiple valid, reliable indicators.

The Superintendent or designee shall annually notify the community, parent(s)/guardian(s), students, and school personnel about the APP, the process for referring a student for possible evaluation for accelerated placement, and the methods used to determine whether a student is eligible for accelerated placement, including strategies to reach groups of students and families who have been historically underrepresented in accelerated placement programs and advanced coursework. Notification may: (a) include varied communication methods, such as student handbooks and District or school websites; and (b) be provided in multiple languages, as appropriate.

District 112 Instructional Framework

We are dedicated to providing culturally appropriate and responsive instructional materials, as well as equipping our teachers and staff with the cultural competencies necessary for effective teaching. We believe that fostering a culturally relevant educational environment is essential for the success and well-being of our diverse student body. By incorporating these elements into our teaching and learning practices, we aim to create an educational environment where every student feels valued, seen, and empowered to succeed.

Our commitment to cultural relevance is not just a goal; it is a guiding principle that shapes our approach to education, ensuring that we meet the unique needs of all our students.

Evidence of Culturally Appropriate and Responsive Instructional Materials

When reviewing new instructional materials for board adoption we meticulously evaluate the instructional materials to ensure they are culturally appropriate and responsive to the needs of our students. We make sure that materials reflect diverse perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds, ensuring that our curriculum is inclusive and reflective of all students' experiences.

Cultural Competencies for Teachers and Staff

Our educators and staff have been included in book studies that focus on cultural competence, equity, and inclusion. We believe that it is essential for our teachers to have the knowledge and skills to create a supportive and culturally sensitive classroom environment.

Representative Texts

We have carefully chosen representative texts that promote cultural understanding, empathy, and critical thinking among our students. These texts are found in classroom text collections and in all our school libraries.

We work closely with publishers who provide lists of culturally responsive portions within their texts. This ensures that our students have access to content that reflects their diverse backgrounds and encourages meaningful discussions.

Instructional Framework

Our instructional framework is designed to incorporate culturally relevant pedagogical approaches. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the cultural backgrounds of our students, making learning more engaging and relatable.