Resource Teacher for the Gifted Oakridge Elementary School Greg Chapuis Resource Teacher for the Gifted Oakridge Elementary School February, 2017 Introduction

Virginia Gifted Regulations Virginia Department of Education regulations state that each school district must develop a plan to identify and provide services to those students who have learning needs beyond the regular instructional program. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/gifted_ed/index.shtml

APS Compliance with VA Regulations Identify students who require services Establish and provide continuous educational services to match the needs of gifted learners Train teachers in ways to provide services Support differentiated instruction to meet the needs of gifted students in their area(s) of identification

Gifted Services Identification Specific Academic Aptitude Grades K-12 Visual or Performing Arts Grades 3-12 English (Reading and Writing) Mathematics Science Social Studies Visual Art Vocal Music Instrumental Music (instruments taught in APS)

Screening for Gifted Services Formal Measures Informal Measures Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Discuss classroom data Review of testing information Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test (NNAT2) School-based assessments Teacher feedback Parent information Honors/Awards Student participation in events or competitions

A Typical Timeline February = Teacher’s work with the RTG to compile a list of students to refer for gifted services. March = The teacher talks with the parent about the referral at Spring conferences. March – early-May = Teachers gather documentation (products that go beyond grade-level expectations) for referred students. March – early-May = The RTG administers additional assessments & compiles documentation for the eligibility committee. late-May = A committee meets to determine eligibility. Parents are informed of the committee’s decision.

Gifted Services Referrals Who can make a referral? Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Classroom teacher(s) Resource Teacher for the Gifted (RTG) Community leaders School Administrators Students Referrals can be made at any point in the year until April 1st Referrals made after April 1st are held until the next school year Referral forms can be found at: https://www.apsva.us/gifted- services/eligibility/

Eligibility Criteria: Specific Academic Area (Gr. K-12) School-based Assessment Data (based on referred area) Writing samples Math problem solving (ex. Exemplars) SOL scores Other work samples Teacher rating form Alternative measures as needed (We also ask parents to complete a questionnaire about their child.) Nationally-Normed Assessments Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT-2) for referred K/1 students Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) screener for ALL Grade 2 students Cognitive Abilities Test (CogaT) screener for ALL Grade 4 students Test of Mathematical Abilities for Gifted Students (TOMAGS) as needed

Gifted Services Eligibility Decisions Decisions are made by a school-based committee Committee members include: Principal Assistant Principal Classroom teacher(s) Resource Teacher for the Gifted (RTG) Math Coach* Reading Specialist* School Counselor*

Appeals Process An Appeal is available to families following the eligibility process: Appeals begin at the school level with the principal (in writing) A second level of appeal is a county-wide Gifted Services Administrative Appeals Committee (must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the school level committee decision)

Parent Resources APS Gifted Services http://www.apsva.us/giftedservices Gifted Services Advisory Committee https://www.apsva.us/gifted-services/gifted-services-advisory-committee/ Virginia Association for the Gifted (VAG) http://www.vagifted.org National Association for the Gifted (NAGC) http://www.nagc.org Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) http://www.sengifted.org

Contact Information Greg Chapuis, Resource Teacher for the Gifted Email: greg.chapuis@aspva.us Phone: 703.228.5840 Cheryl McCullough, Supervisor of Gifted Services Email: Cheryl.McCullough@apsva.us Phone: 703.228.6160