Gifted Identification Process Dekalb County School District Briarlake Elementary School 2012-2013

Purpose of Presentation The purpose of this presentation is to provide information to families regarding the identification of students for the gifted program in the Dekalb County School District.

Eligibility Criteria Students are assessed in four areas: Mental Ability Achievement Creativity Motivation To be eligible for services, a student must meet the criteria in three out of the four areas.

Eligibility Criteria Mental Ability Achievement Creativity Motivation Minimum of 96% in at least one sub-test area CoGAT: Verbal Quantitative Nonverbal Composite Minimum of 90% on the total reading, total math, or complete composite Minimum of 90% on an assessment for creativity Renzulli or CAP Minimum of 90% on an assessment for motivation Or CAIMI YCAIMI

Step 1 In the fall, all first, third and fifth grade students were assessed in all four areas: Mental Ability (CoGAT), Achievement (ITBS), Creativity (Renzulli) and Motivation (Renzulli). The Renzulli is a teacher observation tool used to assess students in the areas of creativity and motivation.

Step 2 Additional assessments may be needed after Step 1. If this is the case the student will be administered a self assessment in the area of creativity or motivation or both. Not all students will need additional assessments. Students who meet the eligibility criteria in three out of the four areas or in all four areas will need no additional assessments.

Timeline for the Identification Process October November January February March *Step 1 CoGAT and ITBS administered to all 1/3/5 grade students Renzulli completed on all 1/3/5 grade students *Parents receive test scores *Test scores entered into the Student Information System by MIS *Step 2 assessments administered *All assessments complete *Students eligible to receive services begin Discovery

Assessment Information All of the assessments used for identification are nationally normed assessments. The scores provide information about your child’s ability at this time in his/her academic career.

Assessment Information The assessments are not tests that students could study for. Academic and social maturity are key characteristics of gifted students. Criteria for identification is established by the State of Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions Can my child take the assessments again? No, students are assessed every two years- grades 1/3/5/7/9 and 11. Because students are tested every two years, DCSD does not allow appeals.

Frequently Asked Questions My child is currently receiving gifted services. Will he/she have to qualify every two years? No. Once students enter the gifted program, they remain in the gifted program unless placed on probation.

Frequently Asked Questions I had my child evaluated by a doctor. Can those scores be used for identification? No. Dekalb County School District does not accept private test data for gifted eligibility.

Helpful Websites http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/gifted-and-high-achievers http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Curriculum-and-Instruction/Pages/Gifted-Education.aspx