Administrative Options for Serving the Gifted

Among the many options available for serving gifted students, the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education require that school districts must make two options available:

Eighth-Grade Acceleration. Public schools must make it possible for eight-grade students to take high school courses in Regents mathematics and in at least one of the following areas: English, social studies, second language, art, music, occupational education subjects, Regents science courses. (Section 100.4 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.)

 >>> The school district staff decides whether a student has demonstrated readiness to begin high school courses in the eighth grade.
>>> If the student passes the course, he or she will receive high school credit.

Credit Through Examination. If a student has acquired the knowledge outside regular courses, he or she may receive up to 61/2 credits toward graduation without taking the courses. (Section 100.5 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.) The student has this right if:

>>> The school staff determines that he or she will benefit academically.
>>> He or she achieves a score of at least 85 percent on a State examination or an examination approved by the State.
>>> He or she meets other requirements the school has, such as lab requirements, a special project, or an oral examination.