Gifted/Talented and High Ability Students

Philosophy

All students are of value with the right to achieve the highest level of academic development. Students who possess the potential and/or demonstrate the capacity to excel academically require a differential educational environment which challenges, enriches, and accelerates beyond the core curriculum.

Goals of the Programs

Gifted/talented students (top 1-3%) and high ability students (4-20%) need special educational opportunities to meet their academic needs. Accelerate and/or compact the mastery of curriculum skills.

The programs shall:

  • Accelerate and/or compact the mastery of curriculum skills

  • Differentiate and enrich curriculum

  • Develop higher order thinking skills

  • Develop research and problem solving skills

  • Allow for in-depth learning and independent study

  • Nature leadership potential

  • Foster students' awareness of their responsibilities to self, school, community, and society

     

Identification Procedure
The identification committee offers these programs to students who qualify based upon the following criteria:

Elementary Identification for the AE Program (K-5)

  • CogAT: CSI (Cognitive Skills Index) score on group test or individual I.Q. (Grades 2 and 5)

  • Teacher Rating Scale (K-5)

  • Writing Sample (K-5)

  • Clearsite Test Measures

  • Lexile Scores

  • Kingore Observation Tool (optional Kdg)

  • Phelps (optional for Kdg)

  • Dibels TRC (K-2)

     

Middle School Identification for the Honors and High School Credit Classes (6-8)

  • Ability Measure: CSI (Cognitive Skills Index) score on group test or individual I.Q.

  • ISTEP+ (English and Math)

  • Clearsight

  • Algebra Aptitude Test

  • Grades

  • Teacher Rating Scale

  • Writing Sample

  • Pre-requisite Classes

     

High School Identification for the AP Program (9-12)

  • Pre-requisite classes

  • Teacher recommendations

     

Student Objectives

The students in these programs will:

  • Maintain an appropriate level of basic skills

  • Maintain average grades during curriculum acceleration

  • Demonstrate a competent level of higher order thinking skills

  • Exhibit a competent level of research and independent study skills

  • Exhibit a competent level of task commitment

     

Appeals Procedure
A student or parent may make an appeal for program eligibility.  The person making the appeal should put the request in writing and give it to the building principal.  The principal will review the student's data and schedule a meeting with the parent and student.  If the student is still considered ineligible, the parent can make an appeal to the high ability coordinator.

Kathleen Miltz, 317-392-2505, 1121 E. State Rd 44, Shelbyville, IN, 46176