What is recommended for assessing a student before grade-skipping?

The recommendation to have a student evaluated by a psychologist and to assess using the Iowa Acceleration Scale is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of a student's abilities and readiness for grade-skipping. This approach incorporates both psychological insights and a structured framework for evaluating whether a student is ready to transition to a higher grade level.

Using the Iowa Acceleration Scale is particularly effective because it considers multiple factors that influence a student's potential success in a new grade, including academic performance, social-emotional maturity, and motivation. This scale provides a systematic way to analyze whether a student possesses the necessary skills and characteristics to thrive in an accelerated environment. Furthermore, evaluations conducted by a psychologist can offer additional insights into the cognitive and emotional aspects of a student's abilities, ensuring a well-rounded assessment.

This approach is preferable to relying solely on physical health assessments or informal class observations, as those methods may not adequately capture a student's intellectual capabilities or readiness for the academic and social challenges of an advanced grade.