A Roadmap for Early Entry Acceleration

About A Roadmap for Early Entry Acceleration

A Roadmap for Early Entry Acceleration introduces the early signs of giftedness that could indicate a need for Early Entry to formal schooling for a child. The process introduced is based on what research suggests will ensure effective implementation of this valuable option for gifted students. A key guiding tool, the IOWA Acceleration Scale, is introduced and its critical role in this process explained.

A Roadmap for Early Entry Acceleration is an online course developed by G&t4you Pty Ltd, t/as Gifted Online. The course is 1.5 hours in duration. Each module may consist of any of the following: learning content, quizzes and optional self-reflection tasks.

Context: As outlined in the Australian Teaching Standards (2022), it is every teacher’s responsibility to be aware of students’ intellectual development and learning needs, and to use this knowledge and assessment data to analyse and evaluate understanding of subject/content, identify appropriate interventions and differentiate teaching to support student participation and growth.  By completing the online course, A Roadmap for Early Entry Acceleration, participants demonstrate an interest in building skills to effectively identify the suitable candidates for Early Entry Acceleration, and to have a clear understanding of how to implement this effectively. It demonstrates their active intention to engage in professional learning and improve practice, as they promote the benefits of the implementation of this research-based educational option for gifted students in the school. 

Learning Outcomes for participants in A Roadmap for Early Entry Acceleration address the following: Participants will:

• develop understanding of what Early Entry acceleration means  
• become familiar with the signs of early giftedness
• be introduced to the research supporting Early Entry Acceleration 
• build understanding of the true impact of acceleration on gifted students’ learning and wellbeing   
• become familiar with the evidence that must be gathered to determine a young gifted student’s suitability for Early Entry Acceleration 
• be introduced to the keys points that are critical to ensuring acceleration is utilised effectively 
• explore a research-based sample Informal Identification: Entry to Prep/Kindergarten Checklist that could be developed
• be introduced to a School Entry (Kindergarten /Prep) Parent Survey that can initiate a formal identification process
• build awareness of the importance of establishing a known and documented process to guide the use of Early Entry Acceleration
• be introduced to the key stages that should be integral to an Early Entry Acceleration process
• be introduced to key awareness points that can lead to issues if overlooked 
• engage in self-reflection for improvement.

Course content references these Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Proficient Level: