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.

Beginning with the 2008-09 school year, the Eagle County School District will use a body of evidence approach to identify students who need GT services. The CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) and the Torrance Tests of Creativity will be used as part of the assessment process.