What Does “Gifted” Mean?
Gifted students perform or show potential for performing at high levels compared to others their age. They can be identified in areas such as:

• Superior cognitive ability

• Specific academic ability

• Creative thinking ability

• Visual or performing arts

How Are Gifted Students Identified?

• The district accepts referrals from parents, teachers, students themselves, or others.

• Students can be referred any time in writing.

• Assessments use tools approved by the Ohio Department of Education.

• At least two opportunities for gifted assessment are offered each year.

Types of Tests and Assessments Used:
Testing may include one or more of the following, depending on the area:

• Superior cognitive ability: tests like CogAT, InView, Naglieri NNAT3, Stanford-Binet, WISC-V, and Woodcock-Johnson IV.

• Academic subjects: Iowa Assessments, i-Ready, ACT/SAT, PSAT, Terra Nova, achievement tests such as Wechsler, and Woodcock Johnson.

• Creative thinking: CogAT, InView, Naglieri NNAT3, Stanford-Binet, WISC-V, Woodcock-Johnson IV, plus rating scales from teachers.

• Visual and performing arts: Ohio Department of Education rubrics and rating scales for art, music, dance, and drama.

Who Can Be Referred for Assessment?

• A child can refer themselves.

• Teachers, parents, or other children can refer a student.

• Principals, psychologists, or community members can also refer a student.

Screening and Identification:

• The district ensures all children have equal access to screening.

• Identification scores remain valid for the rest of the student’s school years (K-12).

• Reassessment can take place if a student’s scores are close to the identification range.

Out-of-District/Transfer Students:

• The district accepts valid scores from other schools (within the last 24 months).

• Transfer students will be assessed within 90 days if requested by parents.

Appeals:

• Parents who disagree with any part of the identification process (testing, scheduling, placement, or services) can appeal in writing to the superintendent.

• An appeal meeting will be held, and a written decision will be given within 30 days.

Gifted Services Offered:
Depending on the child’s area(s) of identification, service may take place in:

• General or fine arts classrooms for creative thinking and art/music.

• Cluster groups for reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.

• Accelerated pathways in grades 5–8 for science and math.

• Honors, AP, or college courses for grades 9–12.

There are no gifted programs for dance or drama.

Written Education Plan:

• Gifted students receiving services have a Written Education Plan (WEP), which is required by the state.

Withdrawal from Gifted Programs:

• If a parent or child wishes to leave a gifted program or service, they should make a written request to the school.

Enrichment Activities:

• Additional enrichment activities are offered to broaden students’ experiences and learning.

• Enrichment is not counted as a formal gifted service.

District and State Oversight:

• The district submits plans annually to the Ohio Department of Education.

• Changes to identification or service procedures are reported to the state for review.