The District is required to locate and identify all school-age students (grades K-12) residing within its boundaries who are thought to be gifted and in need of specially designed instruction.
Determination of gifted ability will not be based solely on IQ scores. Deficits in memory or processing speed, as indicated by testing, cannot be the sole basis upon which a student is determined to be ineligible for gifted education. Determination of mental giftedness must include an assessment by a certified school psychologist.
Multiple criteria indicating gifted ability may include:
- A year or more above grade achievement level for the normal age group in one or more subjects, as measured by nationally normed and validated achievement tests, accurately reflects gifted performance. Subject results will yield academic instruction levels in all academic subject areas.
- An observed or measured rate of acquisition/retention of new academic content or skills that reflect gifted ability.
- Demonstrated achievement, performance or expertise in one (1) or more academic areas as evidenced by excellence of products, portfolio or research, as well as criterion-referenced team judgment.
- Early and measured use of high-level thinking skills, academic creativity, leadership skills, intense academic interest areas, communications skills, foreign language aptitude or technology expertise.
- Documented, observed, validated, or assessed evidence that intervening factors such as English as a Second Language, disabilities defined in 34 CFR 300.8, gender or race bias, or socio/cultural deprivation are masking gifted abilities.
Parents/Guardians who suspect their child is gifted may submit in writing a request for a Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation (GMDE) at any time, with a limit of one request per school year.
If a teacher or parent/guardian suspects that a student is gifted, the District will initiate screening procedures to determine the appropriateness of referral.
