Legislation, Acceleration, and Accountability: What Administrators Need to Know
Register for Next Session
June 17, 2026
Virtual via Zoom: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Administrators Academy 3987, for all K-12 administrators working in K-12 schools, will increase awareness and knowledge about acceleration, an evidence-based intervention for meeting the needs of high-ability learners. Participants will also gain resources and knowledge to implement, review, and improve policies to support equity, inclusion and access and to meet the needs of gifted an advanced learners.
The course reviews current policy and legislation pertaining to acceleration. Participants will align their district acceleration policies with the Illinois Accelerated Placement Act that requires districts to have a policy that allows for early entrance to kindergarten and first grade, whole-grade acceleration, and subject acceleration. Participants will be able to:
(1) understand the legal, equity, and policy implications with respect to meeting the needs of high-ability learners;
(2) understand the Accelerated Placement Act and its purpose;
(3) understand the components of model acceleration policies and identify supporting resources;
(4) evaluate district/school acceleration policy in accordance with the Accelerated Placement Act and equitable, evidence-based practices; and
(5) synthesize information and develop or improve the district plan to align district policy with the Accelerated Placement Act and effectively meet the needs of high-ability learners, including those from special needs and underserved populations.
Reporting requirements for IL School Report Card data and ESSA related to high ability learners will also be addressed.
Academy Credit is available upon completion of application dissemination assignment.
Alternatively, 6 PD hours are available with required attendance documentation and evaluation form. Please indicate when registering if choosing PD hours.
Facilitated by: Diana Rea IAGC President
About the Presenter:
Diana Rea brings more than two decades of experience working with gifted and advanced potential students. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of leadership and instructional roles, including gifted coordinator, principal, curriculum director, dual-credit college instructor, and district superintendent. She serves on the board of the Illinois Association for Gifted Children.
Diana holds an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in gifted education from the University of Virginia and maintains both gifted teacher and gifted specialist endorsements in Illinois.
Payments may be made by credit card or check. Purchase orders not accepted. If paying by check, please submit a copy of your invoice along with payment to the IAGC office: 1500 Sullivan Road, Aurora IL 60506.
No refunds.
All payments are DUE prior to date of event.
