ACCEL options are educational options that provide academically challenging curriculum or accelerated instruction to eligible students. For the majority of students, in-class differentiation provides the learning opportunities needed for advanced students to be challenged. The school must carefully consider the effect of ACCEL options, especially mid-year and full-year promotion, on the student’s future social, emotional and academic performance. A plan for the smooth transition from the student’s current grade to a higher grade must be developed, as well as assurance of continuous course progression into middle and high school. The student’s commitment, desire for the program and developmental level must be considered as well as meeting the eligibility requirements. Parent permission is necessary for ACCEL options.

School principals are required to inform parents and students of the available ACCEL options and the student eligibility requirements. Any student participating in an ACCEL option, by parent request, must do so with a performance contract executed by the student, parent, and principal.

a) Procedures For All Elementary ACCEL Options
The following procedure must be followed to consider a student for ANY ACCEL option:
1) If a parent/guardian requests consideration for an ACCEL option, it must be in writing using the Request for Acceleration form.
2) The parent/ guardian must meet with the Principal or Designee to review the request and the student‘s eligibility for acceleration.
3) If the parent makes a request and the student is eligible, the parent/guardian and student must agree to a performance contract prior to acceleration being granted.
b) Subject Matter Acceleration Eligibility Requirements (request must be submitted by October 1 and recommendation and placement finalized by the end of first nine weeks)
1) Definition: A student that is placed with students at a more advanced grade level (on campus or virtual) for one or more core subjects (ELA, math, science, or social studies) for a part of a day without being assigned to a higher grade, or the student works for part of a day on material above grade level for one or more subjects within his/her regular classroom.
2) Eligibility: The following minimum requirements to be considered eligible for subject-matter acceleration must be met. Any exception to the eligibility requirements must be approved by the Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction or designee.
a. Assessment Results: Mastery in reading or math reflective of Florida Standard of Student Thinking level of performance on a selected assessment determined by the district with a predefined mastery level.
b. Grades: Subject grades equivalent to “A” and/or “B” for the subject area(s) under consideration for acceleration.
c. Attendance: No more than 5 absences in a period of 30 calendar days or no more than 10 absences in a period of 90 calendar days.
d. Conduct: Grades of “A”, “B” or “C” (grades 2-5) or S (grades K-1 in Social Growth and Development) for the current or previous year.
e. Teacher Recommendation: A positive recommendation from all of the student‘s current grade level teachers.
f. School Counselor Recommendation: A positive recommendation from the student‘s current school counselor.
In addition to meeting the above eligibility criteria, please note:
A third grade student may not participate in subject matter acceleration for English Language Arts due to the state reading assessment requirement.
Subject matter acceleration follows course sequence and progression. A student may only accelerate to the next higher grade level subject matter.
The student’s schedule must change to reflect the acceleration course.
Core middle school courses (English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, or Science) taken in elementary school will be used to satisfy middle school promotion criteria once the student is enrolled in middle school. The grades will become part of the middle school academic record, including failing grades, and may affect future promotion
If a virtual subject matter acceleration request for a middle school course through Duval Virtual Instruction Academy (DVIA) is approved, the combined total of all DVIA and school district FTE may not be reported as more than 1.0 FTE for the school year. If the school chooses to have one of their teachers serve as the primary instructor utilizing DVIA curriculum, the school will pay a fee to DVIA for the course materials. This will not result in a loss of FTE for the school.
If a virtual subject matter acceleration request for a middle school course through Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is approved, the combined total of all FLVS and school district FTE may not be reported as more than 1.0 FTE for the school year.
c) Mid-Year Promotion Eligibility Requirements (Request must be submitted by December 1 and recommendation and placement finalized by the end of the 2nd nine weeks)
NOTE: For retained third grade to fourth grade promotions, see Elementary Appendix C.
1) Definition: Promotion of a student from one grade to a higher grade at the end of the first semester as indicated by the school board approved school calendar.
2) Eligibility: The following minimum requirements to be considered eligible for mid-year promotion must be met. Any exception to the eligibility requirements must be approved by the Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction or designee.
a. Assessment Results: Mastery in reading and math reflective of Florida Standard of Student Thinking level of performance on a selected assessment determined by the district with predefined mastery level.
b. Grades: Subject grades equivalent to “A” and/or “B”.
c. Attendance: No more than 5 absences in a period of 30 calendar days or no more than 10 absences in a period of 90 calendar days.
d. Conduct: Grades of “A”, “B” or “C” (grades 2-5) or S (grades K-1 in Social Growth and Development) for the current or previous year.
e. Teacher Recommendation: A positive recommendation from the student‘s current and previous grade level teachers.
f. School Counselor Recommendation: A positive recommendation from the student‘s current school counselor.
In addition to meeting the above eligibility criteria, please note:
A Kindergarten student may not be considered for mid-year promotion to first grade unless he/she meets the age requirement for entry into first grade.
A second grade student may be considered for mid-year promotion to third grade with the expectation that the student will take the third grade state Reading assessment and/or other state mandated test. If he/she scores a level 1, he/she has the same rights and privileges for exemptions as any other third grader. If he/she scores at the minimum state designated proficiency level or above on the required state Reading assessments, the student will be eligible for promotion to 4th grade at the end of the year.
A fifth grade student may not be considered for mid-year promotion to sixth grade due to the credit requirements to complete middle school.

d) Full-Year Promotion Eligibility Requirements (Request must be submitted by the end of the school and recommendation finalized before the next school year)
1) Definition: Promotion of a student occurring at the end of the school year from one grade to a grade higher than normal matriculation allows.
2) Eligibility: The following minimum requirements to be considered eligible for full-year promotion must be met. Any exception to the eligibility requirements must be approved by the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction or designee.
a. Assessment Results: Mastery in reading and math reflective of Florida Standard of Student Thinking level of performance on a selected assessment determined by the district with predefined mastery level.
b. Grades: Subject grades equivalent to “A” and/or “B”.
c. Attendance: No more than 5 absences in a period of 30 calendar days or no more than 10 absences in a period of 90 calendar days.
d. Conduct: Grades of “A”, “B” or “C” (grades 2-5) or S (grades K-1 in Social Growth and Development) for the current or previous year.
e. Teacher Recommendation: A positive recommendation from the student‘s current and previous grade level teachers.
f. School Counselor Recommendation: A positive recommendation from the student‘s current school counselor.
In addition to meeting the above eligibility criteria, please note:
A student entering Kindergarten may not be considered for full-year promotion to first grade unless he/she meets the age requirement for entry into first grade.
A second grade student may not be considered for full-year promotion to fourth grade due to the third grade reading assessment requirement.
A fifth grade student may not be considered for full-year promotion to seventh grade due to the credit requirements to complete middle school.
e) Parent Requests for Acceleration Options Appeals Process
If a parent request is not granted by the school, the parent may submit a written appeal to the Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction or designee explaining why the request should be approved. The decision of the Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction or designee is final.

I. General Procedures/Overview

A. STANDARDS

1. STANDARDS FOR PROMOTION

2. STATE STANDARDS

B.ENROLLMENT

1. GRADE PLACEMENT

2. GRADE PLACEMENT FOR STUDENTS WITHOUT RECORDS, INCLUDING HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS

3. GRADE PLACEMENT FOR OUT-OF-COUNTRY STUDENTS WITHOUT RECORDS

4. GRADE PLACEMENT FOR RETAINEE

5. GRADE PLACEMENT FOR STUDENTS RETURNING FROM AN ADULT STUDIES/OTHER HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM/DROP-OUT-PREVENTION PROGRAM

6. GRADE PLACEMENT FOR STUDENTS RETURNING FROM AN ADULT STUDIES GED PROGRAM:

7. REQUEST FOR CHANGE IN TEACHER

8. PART-TIME SENIOR ENROLLMENT

9. MILITARY COMPACT

C. REPORTING OF STUDENT PROGRESS

1. REPORT CARD GRADES

2. INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLAN (IEP)/EDUCATION PLAN (EP) PROGRESS REPORTS FOR STUDENTS WITH AN EXCEPTIONALITY

3. RETENTION POLICY

4. FORGIVENESS POLICY

D. ACADEMICALLY CHALLENGING CURRICULUM TO ENHANCE LEARNING (ACCEL) OPTIONS (1002.3105 F.S.)

1. ELEMENTARY

2. MIDDLE SCHOOL

3. HIGH SCHOOL

E. VIRTUAL INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS

1. Full-time (Grades K – 12)

2. Part-time

3. Other school support

4. Duval Virtual Instruction Programs

5. Florida Virtual School (FLVS) Programs