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.