The Who, What and When Basic Guide to Assessment and Identification

Gifted [gif-ted] adjective 1. having great special talent or ability: the debut of a gifted artist. 2. having exceptionally high intelligence: gifted children. Talented [tal-uh n-tid] adjective 1. having talent or special ability; gifted.

 General Intellect  Creative Thinking  Leadership  Math  Science  Language Arts/Reading  Social Studies  Music vocal/instrumental  Drama  Dance  Art

 Spencer County Public Schools strives to nurture all students in areas which they excel. We use assessment tools from Kindergarten through graduation to monitor each student’s progress and continually recognize areas of merit.  The Gifted and Talented Services staff acquire teacher referrals, review test scores and utilize other methods to identify a student who may qualify for Gifted and Talented Services.

 Kindergarten through 3 rd grade may be identified for the Primary Talent Pool using teacher referral and test scores. A minimum of three pieces of evidence are needed for identification.  Students who have scored 95% and above on nationally normed tests (MAP) are recorded and kept with our Primary Talent Pool File.  Observations of students behavior and work are also used to determine primary talent pool students.  These students are not automatically identified as gifted once they reach the fourth grade. They must be formally identified by meeting the criteria set forth by the state and local school district

 Fourth through 12 th Grade students may be identified for Gifted and Talented Services when a minimum of three pieces of evidence are collected.  Students who have scored 96% or above on nationally normed tests (MAP) and/or state K-Prep tests (K-Prep only Science and Social Studies scores are accepted as evidence).  Teacher referral. These referrals can be an indicator of needed assessment of Gifted and Talented abilities using formal assessment tools.  Observations of students behavior and work.

 3 rd Grade:  All Third Grade students are assessed in the early Spring. Students are assessed for General Intellect; identification of General Intellect is an early indicator of giftedness.  A Student who scores a 96% or above on these early assessments is selected for further assessment to determine the need for Gifted Services.  These students will need permission from parents and a parent behavior checklist on file in order for needed assessment to continue.  Students will be assessed for General Intellect and Creative Thinking; these scores will indicate a need to collect further evidence or not.

 4 th – 12 th Grade:  Gifted and Talented Assessments are conducted for 4 th – 12th grade students twice a year. Once in late fall and once in late spring.  The students who have consistent scores 96% or above on nationally normed tests for Academic Areas. Students who have a teacher referral and/or parent referral may be assessed to identify the need for GT Services.  Visual and Performing Arts areas such as music, dance and drama are determined by referral and audition selection.  Art portfolio’s are determined based on a rubric used district wide as well as teacher referral.

Our district uses several methods to connect parents with the resources and services their student is receiving. These state mandated communications are sent home to parents. At the beginning of each school year a GSSP (Gifted Student Service Plan) is prepared and sent to each parent. The GSSP outlines each staff member with whom the student is receiving enhanced services and what those services entail. At the end of the first semester and again at year end a Student Progress Report is sent to the parent. This outlines the services your student received from their teachers and GT Services.

 In addition to the formal paperwork, parents can find information through our district website on the Gifted and Talented webpage available to help with resources and questions you may have regarding your student.  Quarterly you will also receive a newsletter from your student’s GT Resource Teacher with events, plans and other information you may need. This will also be on our Gifted and Talented webpage.  Always feel free to contact your student’s teacher and/or GT resource teacher if you have questions or concerns. Nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity.