WEST-E Special Education Practice Test

Which of the following is a common way to accommodate gifted students?

1. Restricting course options

2. Acceleration

3. Standardized curriculum

4. Isolation from peers

The correct answer is: Acceleration

Acceleration is a widely recognized accommodation for gifted students, designed to cater to their advanced learning needs. This approach involves allowing students to progress through educational material at a faster rate than their peers, which can take various forms such as grade skipping, advanced placement courses, or enrolling in higher-level classes. By enabling gifted students to learn at a pace that matches their abilities, acceleration helps to prevent boredom and disengagement, ensuring that these students are sufficiently challenged in their academic pursuits. In contrast, restricting course options or implementing a standardized curriculum can stifle the potential of gifted students by limiting their exposure to more challenging and enriching educational experiences. Isolation from peers does not foster a collaborative learning environment and can hinder social development, lacking social interaction with other students who may share similar abilities and interests. Thus, acceleration stands out as a productive and effective strategy for supporting gifted learners.