The academic content is rigorous, and high levels of academic accomplishment are expected. Instead of lowering academic standards to match students current levels of achievement, high standards are set and students are challenged to meet them. Support services, such as peer tutoring or homework help lines, assist average students in meeting the high academic expectations. Gifted students have supplemental opportunities to achieve to their fullest potential . Child development experts recognize a broad range in normal rates of development.
Some children take their first steps at ten months, others at fourteen months.
Once children enter school, however, the pace is geared to the average learner. The Civil War unit lasts one week, the poetry unit two weeks, and so on. Some students cannot assimilate the material in the time provided, whereas the more advanced students become bored and frustrated because the pace does not challenge them. Additional support and time is built into the program so the students who need extra learning time can catch up while the advanced students have opportunities to complete projects at their learning level. Outcomes that may not be reflected by the traditional academic measures also are embraced and celebrated.