Identification Procedures

Student Search/Referrals

Information on the definition of giftedness, eligibility criteria, nomination procedures and contact persons is available to students, parents, faculty, administrators and community members through websites, parent meetings, newsletters and letters. The AIG staff uses individual nominations, teacher recommendations, IQ tests and standardized achievement tests to locate all children who may potentially be gifted.

Students who have been identified in another system and transfer into this system are also eligible for nomination. In an effort to create an equitable representation of all ethnic and socio-economic subgroups, disaggregated data, including tests and various forms of nomination, are used to compare students to their demographic peers.

The AIG specialists conduct a broad sweep of the general population at the end of each grade 3 through 8. Students who score at or above the 93rd percentile (full scale score by age) on IQ or 93rd percentile on reading or math achievement tests are considered for placement. Disaggregated data is examined for students who may show potential for performing at exceptionally high levels of accomplishment in relation to their own demographic group. Additionally, individual nominations may be received from teachers, community members, parents or students throughout the school year.

The AIG specialists in grades 9 through 12 conduct a broad sweep of the general population at the beginning of each school year. Students who score at or above the 92nd percentile on the 8th grade EOG test, EOC tests, PSAT, SAT or ACT tests are considered for placement. Students who score a 5 on Advanced Placement tests and students who rank in the top 10% of their class are considered for placement. Disaggregated data is examined for students who may show potential for performing at exceptionally high levels of accomplishment in relation to their own demographic group. Additionally, individual nominations may be received from teachers, community members, parents or students throughout the school year.

All Henderson County Schools utilize the same identification process. Current research defines giftedness as a combination of interlocking components. These components are student behaviors, achievement, interest, performance, aptitude and motivation to learn. (Coleman, Gallagher, Harrison and Robinson 1995)

The following criteria document these components using qualitative and quantitative measurements with adequate reliability and validity. Students can be identified as Academically and Intellectually Gifted in math and/or reading.

Grades K-3

· Teacher observation/checklist indicating evidence of gifted behaviors

· Reading and/or math inventory (2 years or more above grade level)

· Academic portfolio showing 2 or more years above grade level

· 96%ile on aptitude test

· Approval of AIG Identification Team

Grades 4-12

· 96% or above on Math EOG/EOC from previous school year

· 96% or above on the Reading EOG/EOC from previous school year

· 96% or above on Nonverbal or Total IQ

· 96% or above on Verbal or Total IQ

· A/B average in math class from previous semester

· A/B average in language arts class from previous semester

· Teacher recommendation

· Academic portfolio may be included

· Approval of the AIG Identification Team

In the identification process, no one criterion will automatically keep a student from being considered. The AIG team will pursue alternate means of collecting data, such as portfolio development or administration of nonverbal intelligence testing, to determine student need and appropriate service options. Equal opportunity for consideration is provided to all students.

Portfolio Guidelines

A portfolio may be used to refer any students who have clearly demonstrated a need for gifted differentiated educational services. A portfolio contains work in reading and/or math which highlights the student’s strengths and documents his/her ability to work above current grade level. Once the criteria requirements have been met, the AIGIT will meet to determine which services will be provided. These decisions will be made on an individual student basis.