What is IRPA?
IRPA, the first institute of its kind in the world, was established at The Connie Belin & Jacqueline N. Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development at The University of Iowa in 2006 through the generous support of the John Templeton Foundation. (Read more about the Belin-Blank Center.) IRPA is unique in that its sole focus is research on academic acceleration so teachers and administrators can implement the most effective curriculum for gifted students. IRPA also consults with policy makers so that educational policies and procedures will reflect research results. What is the purpose of IRPA? IRPA is dedicated to the study of curricular acceleration for academically talented children. The primary purposes of IRPA are to: • provide educators, parents, and the general public with current research-based information on the many aspects and types of acceleration; • serve as an international clearinghouse for research and policy on academic acceleration; and, • con