Gifted Program
What Does it Mean to be Gifted?
“Gifted” defines students who perform or show potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment and who are identified under division (a), (b), (c), or (d) of section 3324.03 of the Revised Code.
In accordance with House Bill 282, gifted and talented identification procedures are in place in Barberton City Schools for kindergarten through grade 12. Students can be identified as gifted in one or more of the following categories using State of Ohio criteria:
superior cognitive
specific academic (reading, math, science, and/or social studies)
creative thinking
visual/performing arts (art, instrumental and vocal music, dance, and drama)
Barberton students will be academically screened with standardized testing using CogAT (in grades 2 and 4) and MAP assessments in grades 2-10. The Ohio Department of Education has said state test scores may not be used to identify students. A student may also be individually referred for testing at any time by teacher, parent, or self-request using the form provided from the link on this page. Visual and performing arts referrals are made by the districts’ arts teachers but can also be made by parents or students as well. These VPA assessments take place on a Saturday at on out-of-district location in the Fall and Spring.
BCSD Gifted & Talented Programming
The K-12 gifted program consists of differentiation in the classroom, accelerated and advanced classes, as well as resource room service provided by a gifted intervention specialist.
Our current programming includes:
Grades 3-5 Gifted intervention specialists are the teacher of record and provide daily instruction to students who have a superior cognitive, Reading, and/or Math gifted identification.
Grades 6-8 Accelerated Reading and Math classes are taught by a gifted intervention specialist or regular classroom teacher. Regular classroom teachers receive professional development related to gifted competencies prescribed by the Ohio Department of Education.
Grades 9-12 Challenging coursework is provided through honors classes, Advance Placement courses, and College Credit Plus courses taught by regular classroom teachers. High school classroom teachers receive professional development related to gifted competencies prescribed by the Ohio Department of Education.
All students receiving gifted services in the Barberton City School District have a written education plan (WEP) outlining their gifted education goals for the school year.
Gifted and Talented Staff
District Coordinator
James Jensen
Gifted Intervention Specialists:
Barberton Intermediate School
Jennifer Bruzda
Stefanie Hoover
James Ryan
Barberton Middle School
Stephanie Horsfall
Barberton High School
Martina Ambrosic
Forms and Information
More Parent Resources
(ODE)- State rules and policies regarding gifted education.Ohio Department of Education
Javits Parent Module- Free and easy to use resource. Click on the Parent Module and sign up for an account.
National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC)- National association supporting the needs of gifted learners.
Ohio Association of Gifted Children (OAGC)- Ohio association supporting the needs of gifted learners. State-wide conferences for educators and parents.
Hoagies' Gifted Page- Resources, articles, books and links to help support parents, teachers, and gifted children.