What best indicates whether a gifted student will have success if promoted to the next grade?

The Iowa Acceleration Scale (IAS) is specifically designed to assess the readiness and suitability of a gifted student for grade acceleration. It takes into account multiple factors such as academic ability, social and emotional maturity, and the child's interests, providing a comprehensive evaluation of whether a student is prepared for the challenges of a higher grade level.

Using the IAS, educators can make informed decisions about a child's potential success if promoted, based on empirical data and professional guidelines. This scale is particularly relevant because it recognizes that simply having high test scores or grades does not always correlate with success in a more advanced setting. Grade acceleration can be complex, as it requires considering how well the student may adapt socially and emotionally, in addition to academic readiness. Thus, the cumulative score on the IAS stands out as the best indicator for determining a gifted student's potential success in a higher grade.