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How are students identified?
How are students identified?
Allen County Schools uses a multi-faceted, ongoing assessment approach to identify students for Gifted and Talented (GT) services. Identification is based on:
Valid and reliable formal and informal assessments
Teacher and parent recommendations
Student work and performance data
Consideration of cultural, linguistic, and economic factors
A District Selection Committee reviews all data and determines eligibility and service levels. Parental permission is required before formal testing or placement.
Five Areas of Giftedness
Five Areas of Giftedness
High potential learners and students in grades 4-12 are formally identified for services in one or more of the following areas:
General Intellectual Ability- Exceptional reasoning, memory, and problem-solving across subjects
Specific Academic Aptitude- High performance in a specific subject (e.g., math, reading)
Creativity- Original thinking, imagination, and problem-solving
Leadership- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence others
Visual & Performing Arts- Talent in art, music, dance, or drama
Referrals
Referrals
Who Can Refer a Student?
Who Can Refer a Student?
Classroom teachers
School counselors
Administrators
Parents/guardians
Students may also be identified through district-wide screening assessments.
Primary Talent Pool vs. Formal Identification
Primary Talent Pool vs. Formal Identification
What is the Primary Talent Pool (PTP)?
What is the Primary Talent Pool (PTP)?
The ACS Primary Talent Pool is a group of primary-aged students (Kindergarten through 3rd grade) who demonstrate or show potential to perform at exceptionally high levels. These students are considered high-potential learners, but they are not formally identified.
Key Features of the Primary Talent Pool:
Key Features of the Primary Talent Pool:
Purpose: To provide early enrichment and support for students whose talents need nurturing to fully develop.
Selection: Based on at least three informal assessment measures, such as:
Teacher and parent observations
Work samples and portfolios
Behavior checklists and anecdotal records
Student-Centered: Schools are encouraged to consider the whole child—academic potential, creativity, motivation, and behavior—when identifying students for the Primary Talent Pool. This approach ensures diverse learners have equitable opportunities for enrichment.
Not Permanent: Inclusion in the PTP does not guarantee formal gifted identification in later grades. Formal identification typically begins in 4th grade using more standardized criteria.
Service Delivery: Students in the PTP receive differentiated instruction to meet their advanced learning needs during the primary years.
While we aim to identify students early—typically in 4th grade—recommendations and formal identification can occur at any grade level and at any time during the school year. Submitting recommendations at the beginning of a semester helps ensure that all necessary data can be reviewed by the District Committee by semester’s end.
While we aim to identify students early—typically in 4th grade—recommendations and formal identification can occur at any grade level and at any time during the school year. Submitting recommendations at the beginning of a semester helps ensure that all necessary data can be reviewed by the District Committee by semester’s end.
What is Formal Identification (Grades 4–12)?
What is Formal Identification (Grades 4–12)?
Formal identification in a Gifted and Talented (GT) program is the official process used by the district to determine whether a student qualifies for gifted services based on state or district criteria.
Key Aspects of Formal Identification:
Key Aspects of Formal Identification:
Begins in 4th Grade
Based on Multiple Criteria, such as:
Standardized test scores (e.g., cognitive ability, achievement tests)
Teacher recommendations
Parent recommendations
Student work samples or portfolios
Behavioral checklists
Areas of Identification may include:
General intellectual ability
Specific academic aptitude (e.g., math, reading)
Creativity
Leadership
Visual or performing arts
Once a student is formally identified, they will become eligible for specialized learning services and instruction outlined in their Gifted Services Plan (GSSP). This is a personalized plan developed in collaboration with teachers, parents, and (sometimes) students.
The GSSP ensures that gifted students receive appropriate challenges and enrichment opportunities throughout the school year.
The GSSP ensures that gifted students receive appropriate challenges and enrichment opportunities throughout the school year.
The Five Areas of Giftedness.pdf
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