EQUITY :: Definitions

Definitions

Independent Study. Examples of independent study options include online distance learning courses, correspondence courses, and forming a learning partnership with a mentor or teacher. However, independent study also can be done within the school setting by allowing the student to pursue a topic in greater depth. This option might include research topics or different readings. Ideally, independent study is assigned in place of regular class work, not in addition to regular class work. Otherwise, the independent study will be seen as a negative instead of a positive opportunity to the student. Independent study often is paired successfully with compacting because students who are able to prove their proficiency in particular subjects are able to move ahead at their own pace; however, students participating in independent study still need supervision.
Mentoring or Peer Tutoring. Establishment of a one-to-one relationship between a student and an expert in a specific topic area or career. The program could also pair high school students with elementary school students for independent or in-depth studies, or involve local senior citizens.
Curriculum Compacting relies on the practice of pre-testing students for subject mastery. When a student is able to demonstrate sufficient mastery of a subject, that student is given the opportunity for alternative instruction or projects in the same subject area.
Cluster Grouping. Assigning several students who demonstrate advanced performance or potential to the same classroom. Clustering high-ability learners in the regular classroom allows the teacher to differentiate learning activities for a group of identified students rather than just for one or two students.
Differentiation includes educational experiences that extend, replace, or supplement learning beyond the standard curriculum.
Acceleration is an option where students study material that is part of the normal curriculum for older students.
Grade acceleration – Also referred to as grade skipping, this option allows students who demonstrate mastery to move to a higher grade level.
Subject acceleration – This option is more appropriate for students who have uneven development across subject areas. For example, an 8-year-old math prodigy with only moderately above average verbal skills will likely only need acceleration in math. This method can be applied by allowing students to move into higher grades for specific classes at the school or seek advanced instruction outside the school through distance education courses.

E	xcellence,
Q	uality and
U	nderstanding in
I	nstruction of
T	alented
Y	outh

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