A Subject Acceleration Protocol is an intervention available to middle grade students with advanced learning needs, starting in 2012-13. The Cambridge Public Schools’ Academic Challenge Policy and Academic Challenge Plan include this description (below) of an SAP. The complete text of the SAP is here.
CPS Subject Acceleration Protocol
A guiding principle of the Upper School Program is to promote a climate of academic rigor and high expectations in every middle school classroom. All teachers are expected and will be supported to provide challenging classroom environments that support all students to succeed at high levels.
CPS recognizes that a small percentage of students may demonstrate mastery of concepts in a particular subject area that are significantly above grade level expectations (more than 2-3 years). In such instances a Subject Acceleration Protocol will be made available.
Recommendation/Application
A request for consideration for subject acceleration can be initiated by school personnel, an individual student or a parent/guardian. This request is made through a formalized CPS protocol, Request for Subject Acceleration.
Process for Review
A review will be conducted by a school-based team comprised of teachers and administrators most knowledgeable with the student’s situation and based on a comprehensive evaluation of the whole child. The student will be assessed in a number of domains including: individual student motivation, school history, assessment of achievement in subject area, and a review of developmental, academic and interpersonal factors. In addition, student work samples will be reviewed.
The goal of the Subject Acceleration Protocol is to develop a plan that appropriately challenges and meets the developmental needs of the student. The desire and motivation of the student to challenge him/herself is a key factor in designing a plan for the student with primary consideration being a student’s willingness to accept additional academic rigor and a heavier course load.
Based on the results of the Subject Acceleration Protocol, in collaboration with the students’ parents/guardians and school personnel, an individual plan will be developed for the student. In the absence of consensus, the decision to accelerate the student will be decided by the CPS Head of School.
The complete draft text of the Subject Acceleration Protocol is here.
SAPs and Transportation
When a student’s SAP includes taking a class in another building that is farther than walking distance, transportation should be available through the Cambridge Public School’s Transportation Department. The Transportation Supervisor, Tina Fisher, oversees the coordination of this transportation. Her contact information is: tfisher@cpsd.us, 617-349-6862.
Recent Comments