All kindergarten and second grade students are given the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), a group-administered test of aptitude. Students who perform in the 95th percentile rank or higher are referred to the gifted screening process. Students can also be referred to the process at the request of their teacher or parents, which includes the following steps:

Review of academic record (report cards, district or state-administered standardized assessment, other information that may be available)
Teacher input – Teacher Recommendation Form and rates of acquisition and retention
Curriculum-based assessments in reading and mathematics

Evaluation:

If a student meets the criteria at the screening level, a formal evaluation is requested. Once parent permission is obtained, the evaluation consists of:

All the data that was gathered in the screening process
Parent input – Parent Information and Parent Recommendation forms, and any other input the parent(s) wish to provide
Standardized assessment of cognitive functioning administered by the school psychologist
Standardized assessment of academic achievement administered by the school psychologist
Any other data submitted for consideration

Afterward, a Gifted Written Report (GWR) is prepared, which includes the information and findings from the evaluation concerning the student’s educational needs and strengths. The report makes recommendations as to whether the student is gifted and in need of specially designed instruction.

If the student is found to meet the criteria, based on the GWR, then a Gifted Individual Education Program (GIEP) is developed. A GIEP is a written plan describing the education to be provided to a gifted student.

If you would like more information, please read the next tab.

Abington School District

Gifted Services

Elementary Program

Secondary Program

Process and Evaluation for Gifted Education

Resources

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