This information was produced by the staff of the Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development (B-BC) at the University of Iowa (belinblank.org). The resources and information listed here are for informational purposes; there is no direct or implied endorsement by the B-BC. Services provided by the B-BC include programs for academically talented K-12 and college students, professional development for teachers, the Assessment and Counseling Clinic, the Acceleration Institute (accelerationinstitute.org), and graduate programs and research in gifted education.

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State Policies in Nebraska  

Nebraska does not have a state policy on acceleration. Local education agencies (LEA) determine whether and to what extent acceleration is permitted.

Grade-based Acceleration

Early entrance to kindergarten

No state policy; up to LEA to determine whether early entrance to kindergarten is permitted. In general, students must be 5 years old on or before July 31 to enroll in Kindergarten.

Early entrance to 1st gradeIf you know where to find this information, please e-mail us.
Whole-grade acceleration

Nebraska Revised Statute 79-1108 states that each district may provide accelerated or differentiated curriculum for identified high ability learners. Curriculum acceleration is outlined in Nebraska Administrative Code Title 92 Chapter 3 (005.01B), and includes "grade level skipping; content level acceleration; cluster grouping by content; early entrance to school; compacting the curriculum; early graduation; or, course waivers."

Early high school graduationGraduation Requirements for Nebraska.
Early entrance to collegeNortheast Community College offers an Early Entry program for high school students. Courses can be taken as Dual Credit if offered through the student's high school, or can be taken independently for college credit only.

Content-based Acceleration

Dual or concurrent enrollment in community college, college, or universityNo state policy; up to LEA to determine whether and to what extent dual enrollment is allowed. Dual enrollment opportunities are offered through the University of Nebraska Omaha, and the University of Nebraska High School. 
Middle school students permitted dual or concurrent enrollment in high school

No state policy; up to LEA to determine whether dual enrollment in middle and high school is permitted.
Advanced Placement®Nebraska high schools offer a variety of AP courses, and Lincoln Public School has held an AP Summer Institute for teachers to gain understanding and experience teaching Advanced Placement courses.
Talent Search

There is no in-state talent search program in Nebraska, but gifted students in NE can participate in regional and national talent search programs such as those offered by the University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center .

Credit by examination/proficiency-based promotion

No state policy; up to LEA to determine whether proficiency-based promotion is allowed.
Other forms of content-based acceleration

Typically left to LEAs to determine. If you know of state-level code, please e-mail us.

Additional Information

Nebraska Department of Education High Ability Learners page
Nebraska Department of Education
Nebraska Association for the Gifted

The information presented on this page was compiled from a variety of resources, including the State of the States in Gifted Education 2020-2021 (a report by the Council of State Directors of Programs for the Gifted and the National Association for Gifted Children), Websites, professional literature, and personal communication. The Acceleration Institute has not verified the accuracy of this information and does not warrant its accuracy or fitness of use for any purpose. Users should verify information prior to taking any action. Furthermore, the appearance of selected programs and/or resources does not imply an endorsement or affiliation. Programs and resources are highlighted for informational purposes only.