Plainfield School District 202 presented proposed administrative procedures on Feb. 19 to implement an accelerated placement policy (policy 6.135) that administrators said would align district practice with the Illinois law and the district’s strategic plan goal to expand honors, gifted and acceleration opportunities.

District leaders told the committee the acceleration policy refines identification, communication and appeals. Key changes staff recommended include making single‑subject (math or ELA) acceleration available to students who demonstrate high ability in one content area (where previously students generally needed to qualify in both subjects), clarifying timelines and notification procedures for parents, formalizing appeals so teachers, administrators and the student may all initiate an appeal, and providing a committee‑based appeal panel when parents request a further review.

Administrators emphasized that the district already identifies students near the top of the cohort (approximately the top 12%) during second‑grade screening for third‑grade placement, but said the acceleration policy expands options for single‑subject placement and improves communications. Staff also proposed clearer procedures for students new to District 202 so families do not have to wait a full year to access acceleration when prior district documentation or assessments support placement.

The proposed administrative procedures would also formalize early‑entrance processes for kindergarten and first grade. District staff said decisions should include academic, social and emotional criteria and that any denial at the building level would be appealable to a committee composed of administrators, teachers and parents.

Administration said the changes are designed to make decision‑making transparent and to align the district with state guidance. The committee discussed staffing and scheduling implications of single‑subject acceleration (district staff noted course sequencing and staffing will be considered as the policy is implemented) and agreed that clear web‑posted guidance and parent communications should accompany any policy change.

Ending: The committee reviewed the proposed administrative procedures and administration said it would post the policies and procedures as part of the 30‑day display process and move the matter toward full board consideration as part of the district’s curriculum and program planning.