By James T. Webb, Ph.D.

The 3rd edition of the Iowa Acceleration Scale is currently being used with great success in all 50 states and several foreign countries, and it remains the only systematic, research-based, defensible way to make decisions about whether or not to early entrance or whole-grade skip a child in grades K-8. We are proud to stand behind a product that has stood unparalleled in the field since the 1st edition was published in 1998. 

Recently, we have received inquiries about a supposed 4th edition of the Iowa Acceleration Scale (IAS). We want to tell people that the rumors are incorrect. The most recent version of the Iowa Acceleration Scale is the 3rd edition, published in 2009, and the authors tell us that at this time there is no need to revise it in the near future. 

If your school has not yet begun to use the Iowa Acceleration Scale, we heartily recommend it, and we would point out that some state departments of education have essentially mandated its use. The Manual for the Iowa Acceleration Scale summarizes the research on whole-grade acceleration for gifted children,and the research strongly supports whole-grade skip as a viable option that is likely under-utilized. We appreciate your passing this information along to others through Facebook, Twitter, and other social media, as well as within your community.