Identification

Gifted students require appropriate learning opportunities and experiences that may not normally be provided by the regular classroom curriculum.

The best screening tools that are used to identify students in need of gifted education services rely on multiple criteria for accurate identification. This body of evidence may include group or individual test scores that indicate advanced cognitive ability, a portfolio of work, learning characteristics and behaviors, and recommendations or nominations from parents, teachers, counselors or peers. When used appropriately, no single criterion should prevent a student's identification as gifted. Professional assessment outside the school district is another objective alternative for families and provides in-depth diagnostic capability and recommendations for specific strategies to be used in the classroom.

The Body of Evidence used by Eagle County Schools (2008 - 2010): In building the body of evidence, information is gathered in four areas: ability, achievement/aptitude, performance and behavior. Data is collected, both quantitative and qualitative, as evidence for exceptional ability. Listed below are each of the four characteristics and the possible data that may be used under each area as possible sources of exceptional ability (Please note: not all of the assessments under each characteristic may be gathered or used):

• Ability: Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT),  Kauffman Brief Intelligence Test – second edition (KBIT-II), other.    
• Achievement: Colorado State Assessment Plan (CSAP), The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), DRA, Benchmark, other.
• Performance: portfolios, student products, report cards and grades, performance tasks, other.
• Behavior: Kingore Inventory, Teacher & Parent Recommendations, anecdotal notes, other.

The process for formal identification of gifted and talented students begins in the third grade and continues through high school. During the primary grades, students who require instructional or curricular modifications are recognized and appropriate educational opportunities will be provided. A primary student whose abilities are so outstanding may be considered for formal identification prior to third grade.http://www.eagleschools.net/index.aspx?page=332

The ECS Exceptional Student Services Assistant Director, Lori Seelig, is currently reviewing these screening tools and can update any interested parents about changes that may be implemented in the upcoming school year.  Contact Lori: lori.seelig@eagleschools.net