Gifted Eligibility Process Presented by Annette Simpson and Patti Tashiro Keheley’s Gifted Education Teachers

Referrals Automatic - in 1 st, 3 rd and 5 th Grades – System-wide assessment – ITBS, CogAT, Renzullis Reported - in 2 nd and 4 th Grades - New to system - Teachers and/or Parents Reciprocity – students who move within Cobb County or the State of Georgia

State Law Two Options for Eligibility Option A - Psychometric: A student must meet eligibility requirements in both Mental Abilities and Achievement. Option B - Multiple Criteria: A student must meet eligibility requirements in three of the four following areas: Mental Abilities, Achievement, Creativity, and Motivation.

Determination of Eligibility Option A Psychometric: A student must meet eligibility requirements in both areas: Mental Ability : Composite score only on a standardized test of mental ability. * 1-2 Grades - 99 th percentile * 3-5 Grades - 96 th percentile Achievement : Total reading OR total math section scores OR composite score of a standardized achievement battery. * All grade levels - 90 th percentile

Determination of Eligibility Option B Multiple Criteria: A student must meet eligibility requirements in three of the four following areas: Mental Ability: Component or composite score on a standardized test of mental ability. * 1-5 Grades - ≥ 96 th percentile Achievement: Total reading OR total math section scores OR composite score of a standardized achievement battery. * All grade levels ≥ 90 th percentile Creativity: * All grade levels ≥ 90 th percentile Motivation: * All grade levels ≥ 90 th percentile

Sample Score Report

Assessments used Mental abilities  Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)  Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT)  Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test (NNAT) Achievement  Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)  Stanford Achievement Test (SAT-10) Creativity  Renzulli Behavioral Rating Scale for Creativity  Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT) Motivation  Renzulli Behavioral Rating Scale for Motivation  Motivation portfolio (1 st -3 rd Grades)  Children’s Academic Intrinsic Motivation Inventory(CAIMI) (4 th -5 th Grades)

Renzulli Rating Scales Based on behaviors observed in the classroom over a minimum of nine weeks All teachers receive training on identifying behaviors that exemplify characteristics of creativity and motivation specific to gifted children.

Example of Creativity Creativity Characteristic: The student demonstrates the ability to generate a large number of ideas or solutions to problems or questions. Possible observed behaviors: * good problem solver * thinks of different ways of doing things * trouble settling on one idea, and therefore, may have difficulty beginning tasks.

Example of Motivation Motivation Characteristic: The student demonstrates tenacity for finding out information on topics of interest. Possible observed behaviors: * seeks opportunities to find more information about a topic beyond what is presented in class * is able to contribute additional information on topics discussed in class due to independent research * student may be too focused on one topic.

Testing Window Automatic System Wide testing (no referral needed) CogAT Sept 18 – Sept 20 ALL 1 st & 3 rd Graders ITBS Sept ALL 3 rd & 5 th Graders

Testing Window Gifted eligibility evaluation begins once the system-wide test scores are received and reviewed by the local eligibility committee (Target teachers and administration). If your child’s scores indicate a need for further evaluation, a “permission to test” form will be sent home (Mid November). Gifted eligibility further testing will begin in early December.

Completion of Testing Once the LEC’s review of all test scores is complete, gifted eligibility results will be mailed to you. Projected to be late December. Exception: Extenuating circumstances that would delay eligibility results for some students:  Motivation Portfolio  Additional Psychometric testing

Delivery Models for Gifted Service Elementary – One day a week, pull-out resource class (interdisciplinary curriculum) Middle School – Advanced content classes – Placement based on demonstrated need in content areas – Specific criteria for placement determined by local school High School – Honors and Advanced Placement classes

Thank you for your interest in gifted eligibility and service.