Screening

Identification of the academically gifted student is based on scholastic aptitude, academic achievement, creativity, and attitude towards learning. Identification procedures include teacher observation, standardized achievement/aptitude tests scores, classroom performance, parent input, and end of year classroom assessments. The screening process is broken down into three steps. The following steps are part of the procedure for eligibility.

All students K to 6th grade are eligible to be evaluated for the GATE Program at BES during the Months of September and October of each academic school year.

Step I. Preliminary  Evaluation

In primary grades the students are evaluated using Primary Education Thinking Skills concentrating in:

• Convergent

• Divergent

• Evaluative

• Visual

Step I. Preliminary Test Scores

Candidates’ scores on preliminary tests are reviewed and compared to their local district peers, quotients are weighted to find the: 

• Gifted Indicator Scores

• General Intelligence Scores

Step II. EOY Assessment Scores 

Candidates’ scores on are reviewed and compared to their local district peers: 

•  End of year math assessment. 

• End of year reading assessment. 

Step II. Report Cards 

Candidates’ report cards are reviewed and compared to their local district peers: 

•  Report Cards Overall Grades and Effort

Step II.  Subjective Data 

A. Teacher Assessment of Learning and Behavioral Characteristics 

• Scales describing the student’s learning/behavioral characteristics are completed by a teacher who is well-acquainted with the child, typically the current or (if early in the school year) previous homeroom teacher.   

• These scales are evaluated according to preset criteria and assigned points for a preliminary decision on the appropriateness of further screening.  

B.  Parent Assessment of Learning/behavioral Characteristics 

• Scales describing the student’s learning/behavioral characteristics are completed by the parent.   

• These parent scales are evaluated according to preset criteria.   

Step III. Qualifying Tests - three components, as follows: 

• Tops Scoring students from Steps I and Step II are assess with a series of 3 qualifying tests, using standardized testing instruments designed to assess giftedness in elementary students.   

• The tests address mathematics and science, language arts and social studies, and nonverbal reasoning.  According to the scoring manual, the scores are adjusted per month of each child’s chronological age, and are converted to quotients.   

Determination 

Eligibility determinations are based on each child’s overall profile, which includes objective data gathered from skills tests, standardized test records, and qualifying test results, and subjective information as reported by classroom teachers and parents. Subjective information is scored according to set criteria. Eligibility is determined by total points accumulated across all areas, allowing for diverse strengths to be considered. 

Students that are eligible for academic Gifted and Talented services.   

• Students eligible for G&T services may participate in various program components.   

• Participation schedules may vary due to aptitude and interest.   

• Continuing eligibility is based on successful participation. 

If a student is found ineligible: 

• Students who completed screening but did not qualify may be reassessed after a period of two years or as deemed necessary to meet the child's needs. 

• Qualifying tests and parent assessments will not be repeated until after the two year time frame for reassessment.