Gifted and Talented Programming

About Gifted and Talented Programming

Gifted Programming, using Ohio’s Learning Standards, focuses on evidence-based practices which increase the rigor of instruction, strengthen cognitive abilities, increase creativity, and foster the affective development of students identified as gifted.  Emphasis is placed on enhancing 21st Century Skills in order for gifted youth to realize their potential.

The SWCSD Gifted and Talented Department is dedicated to providing services for our students identified as gifted in grades 3 through 8.  Students who meet gifted identification criteria set forth by the state of Ohio and meet the requirements set by our district will qualify for specialized programming.    Qualifying students in grades 3 and 4 participate in The Discovery Program, a one day per week pull-out class taught by a Gifted Intervention Specialist.  Middle grade students identified as gifted have opportunities to work at faster paces and with higher level content through specialized courses. The Intermediate Gifted Programming consists of Enriched ELA and Compacted Math courses.  The Middle School Gifted Programming consists of Enriched ELA, Accelerated Math 7, and Algebra I.   

Executive Director 

Cheryl Spain, Ph.D.

Executive Director of Middle Grades, Gifted and Testing

Gifted Coordinators

Cheri Turner   614-801-3076        

Stefanie Hall   614-801-3078    

Gifted Intervention Specialists

Abigail Bethel ~ Alton Hall ES and Darby Woods ES

Heather Cachat ~ Finland ES, East Franklin ES and West Franklin ES

Helen Cosner ~ Prairie Norton ES and Stiles ES

Carol Frazier ~ Highland Park ES and Monterey ES 

Diane Kowalke ~ Prairie Lincoln ES and Richard Avenue ES

Jennifer Phipps ~ Harmon ES and JC Sommer ES

Julie Spencer ~ Buckeye Woods ES

Jennifer Stolfi ~ Bolton Crossing ES and Darbydale ES

Identification of Children Who Are Gifted

Students may be identified as gifted in one or more of the following areas: Superior Cognitive Ability; Specific Academic Ability in the academic areas of Reading, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies; Creative Thinking Ability; and the Visual and Performing Arts.  Section 3324.03 of the Ohio Revised Code defines a child who is gifted as one who performs or shows potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience or environment.  

Students who do not meet the state gifted criteria but score within the district-established screening range are eligible for a second opportunity to test for gifted identification. After each whole-grade level testing opportunity gifted department staff identify students in this range and seek permission from families/guardians to further assess the student..

State of Ohio Identification Criteria

Superior Cognitive Ability

A student shall be identified as exhibiting "superior cognitive ability" if the student did any one of the following: 

1. Scored at least two standard deviations above the mean, minus the standard error of measurement, on an approved standardized group intelligence test (i.e. CogAT 128 or higher);

2. Performed at or above the ninety-fifth percentile on an approved individual or group standardized basic or composite battery of a nationally normed achievement test or; 

3. Attained an approved score on one or more approved above grade-level standardized, nationally normed tests.

Specific Academic Ability 

A student shall be identified as exhibiting “specific academic ability” if the student:

1. Scored at or above the 95th percentile at the national level on an approved individual or group standardized achievement test (i.e. i-Ready, Stanford, Terra Nova) of specific academic ability in that field, including Reading, Mathematics, Science, and/or Social Studies.  A student may be identified as gifted in more than one specific academic field.

2. Attained an approved score on one or more above grade-level standardized, nationally normed approved tests.  

*The American College Test (ACT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) have been approved for use in the identification of gifted students in select grade levels.

 

1. Attained a sufficient score, as established by the department of education, on an approved individual or group test of creative ability, OR
2. Exhibited sufficient performance, as established by the department of education, on an approved checklist of creative behaviors.

1.  Demonstrated through a display of work, an audition, or other performance or exhibition, a superior ability in a visual or performing arts area; AND
2.  Exhibited sufficient performance, as established by the Department of Education, on an approved checklist of behaviors related to a specific arts area.

Screening and Identification Process Overview

1. Nomination of the student for screening/assessment 

2. Evaluation of the student using an approved behavioral checklist 
3. An evaluation of the student’s display of work/portfolio/performance using an approved scoring rubric completed by professionals in the field.

The Ohio Department of Education has published Operating Standards that districts must follow when identifying and designing services for gifted students. While gifted identification is required by law, gifted services are not mandated.  However, districts receive state funding for providing such services, as long as those services meet the criteria set forth in the Operating Standards.   SWCSD offers a variety of gifted services meeting the state criteria for students in grades 3-8.  Eligibility for programming differs depending on grade level and content areas.  For a complete understanding of the goals of each programming level, its requirements, and the content being served, please see the links below.  

All school districts in Ohio reporting gifted services must have on file a copy of a Written Education Plan (WEP) for each student served. Ohio Administrative Code 3301-51-15 (D)(4) outlines the specific points that must be included on the WEP.   SWCSD gifted staff work directly with classroom teachers in creating goals for gifted students.  WEPs are written and sent home in the fall of the year of service.  Those goals are then reviewed the following year if the child remains in service, and are modified as needed. Parental and student input is welcome in this annual process.  Not all gifted students have a WEP on file; ONLY children currently receiving service will receive a Written Education Plan.

Process for Acceleration Referrals

All acceleration decisions are made as a team along with the parents.  This team may consist of a principal, counselor, psychologist, receiving teacher, current teacher, gifted specialist, gifted coordinator, or other qualified personnel.  Even though this process is based on a group decision, there may be times that a parent disagrees with the final recommendation. In these cases, the parent must complete the Appeal Document.  Appeal decisions are made by the district superintendent or his/her designee and all decisions at that level are final.