The Accelerated Schools Project is a schoolwide program that involves restructuring the school organization, curriculum, and instruction. Its goal is to help all students achieve their academic, social, and physical potential and perform at grade level by the end of sixth grade. Dr. Henry Levin developed the program in 1986 with his colleagues at Stanford University to accelerate the achievement of at-risk students. More than 700 schools, including a network of elementary and middle schools in Illinois, have replicated the program.
School staff and parents share decision making and responsibility for helping students excel. Instruction builds on the strengths and culture of the students. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches that engage learners in real-world tasks and problem solving (Levin & Hopfenberg, 1991).
Since January 1989, 24 Illinois elementary and middle schools have been involved with the Illinois State Board of Education in a partnership known as the Illinois Network of Accelerated Schools (INAS). The accelerated schools partnership originated from research conducted by Dr. Henry Levin and focuses on three principles: unity of purpose, shared decision making with responsibility, and building on strengths. With these three principles as a basis, the schools have set about restructuring their organization, curriculum, and instruction so that all students learn at an accelerated rate, achieve their maximum potential, and feel confident about themselves personally, socially, physically, and academically.
For information about the Accelerated Schools Project (newsletter, reprints of past articles and papers, and a 25-minute videotape on loan basis), contact Dr. Jane McCarthy, Center for Educational Research at Stanford (CERAS), School of Education, Stanford University, Stanford, CA (415) 723-3095.To receive a copy of A Guide to Becoming an Illinois Accelerated School, the INAS newsletter, and other publications, contact the Illinois State Board of Education, Division of Program Development and Intervention, Program Development Section, 100 North First Street (C-361), Springfield, IL 62777-0001; (217) 524-4832.
For further information, refer to the Accelerated Schools Project home page.
