The Acceleration Route
Chapter 1
Start the Engine
Setting up Acceleration Systems and Assessing Readiness
Step 1: Conduct a Dashboard Check
Assessing Acceleration Readiness
By conducting a thorough dashboard check, you can identify potential breakdowns early, ensure all systems are aligned for success, and prevent wasted time and resources on strategies that don’t move students forward. Think of this as your pre-trip inspection—it’s the key to a smooth and successful journey toward accelerated learning.
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District Level Tool
Acceleration Readiness Audit
This audit is designed to help district leaders evaluate whether policies, funding, assessments, and professional learning systems are set up to support acceleration. By completing the audit, you can identify areas for improvement and create a clear timeline for implementing acceleration strategies, ensuring that all systems are optimized for forward movement rather than falling back on outdated remediation practices.
School Level Tool
Instructional Acceleration Walkthrough
This tool is designed to help principals, instructional coaches, and school leadership teams conduct classroom walkthroughs to determine if acceleration strategies are being implemented effectively. By observing 3-5 classrooms per walkthrough, tracking patterns in instructional practices, and creating teacher coaching plans based on your findings, you can ensure that acceleration becomes a consistent and impactful part of daily instruction.
Classroom Level Tool
Acceleration Lesson Planning Template
. This template is designed to help teachers plan acceleration-focused lessons that maintain grade-level rigor while embedding necessary scaffolds. By using this tool, teachers can ensure their lessons are rigorous, engaging, and aligned with acceleration strategies, giving students the opportunity to tackle challenging material while receiving the support they need to succeed.
Step 2: Adjust the Seat & Put on Your Seatbelt
Setting Acceleration Goals
This phase is about setting clear, strategic acceleration goals that provide the focus and security you need for a successful learning journey.
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SMART Goal Template
Acceleration is not just about moving quickly—it’s about moving strategically. Educators can implement acceleration models that lead to long-term success by ensuring readiness and setting clear goals.
When you take the time to adjust and secure your instructional focus, you ensure that acceleration efforts are thoughtful, strategic, and inclusive. SMART goals serve as your seat adjustments and seatbelt, making sure that your acceleration plans are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. These goals give you the structure to ensure that acceleration is not only effective but also accessible to every learner.