AIG Identification Testing

AIG PROGRAM K-12

The AIG program varies as students progress in their education. An overview may help you and your child see the differences.

K-3 Talent Development: Students are chosen through criteria for talent development in Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade, according to the school’s makeup. AIG identified students are served in the regular classroom by the classroom teacher. AIG Specialists may support the classroom teacher by supplying or creating a curriculum, co-teaching, or establishing specialized pull-out groups.

AIG Identified Students in Grades 4-5: Students are pulled out of regular classes more often and by area of giftedness. Students may take part in problem-based learning, Genius Hour, project-based learning, developing thinking skills, or working on critical thinking activities.

AIG Identified Students in Middle Grades: A combination of pull-out and push-in are seen in these grades. Skills are targeted using higher-level materials.

AIG Identified Students in High School: Students may choose to take advanced courses, honors classes, AP classes, online classes, and early college classes.

When a student is placed in AIG, the student is always labeled as AIG. The service options evolve to better suit the needs of the individual learner.

AIG Identification Testing

CCS allows three attempts at AIG Identification K-12

Pathway 1: Grades 3-12

Students must meet four criteria in reading or four in math to receive gifted education services in reading and/or math. Not all criteria must be included in the evaluation. Students scoring at the 98th percentile on an accepted aptitude and/or the achievement test and have one other criteria met are automatically placed in the AIG program as Highly Gifted in the area(s) of qualification. Highly Gifted in both math and reading places a student as AI. Additional data is not necessary for placement.

Available criteria include:
● ≥90th percentile Aptitude testing.
● ≥90th percentile Achievement testing.

o ≥90th percentile or higher on three STAR test for the current year may be used.

●≥80% on AIG Portfolio scored on an AIG rubric demonstrating work at least one grade level above the current grade level.

●Growth - Based on WIDA, a second language evaluation tool, scores as outlined from consultation with ESL Department.

●≥90th percentile using accepted tests in areas outlined in the Chatham County AIG Plan may be submitted by parents/guardians. These tests and reports must be conducted and written by a private, licensed psychologist or psychiatrist with a school related focus. The entirety of the report must be presented to the county Needs Determination Team. Psychological reports must be submitted in full and considered for the best educational placement of the student. CCS is not responsible for providing outside testing.

●≥80%on the AIG Specialist Inventory (based on multiple sources from current research).

●≥80% on the Research Checklist for reading and/or math (currently the Scales for Rating the Behavioral Characteristics of Superior Students, also known as Renzulli Scales are used).

●≥80% on an optional student choice portfolio submission scored using an AIG rubric. Submission must have been accomplished at school with minimum assistance from teachers.

●≥80% on one of the Renzulli Scales areas of Creativity, Communication, Learning, or Leadership. Only one of these areas may be used as a qualifying criterion.

●Highest 5% (within the school) on a nationally normed standardized test that allows for a demonstrated understanding of mathematics/reading above the current grade. (For example, STAR.)

●Highest 5% (within the school) on a nationally normed standardized test that allows for a demonstrated understanding of reading comprehension above the current grade.

Pathway 2: K-2

Students scoring at the 98th percentile on an accepted aptitude, or achievement test and have one other criteria met are automatically placed in the AIG program as Highly Gifted in the area(s) of qualification. Additional data is not necessary for placement. Not all criteria must be included in the evaluation.

Available criteria include:

One of the following is required:
≥98th percentile on one or more batteries of a standardized abilities test in reading or math. ≥98th percentile on one or more batteries of a standardized achievement test in reading or math.

●≥90% on AIG Portfolio scored on AIG rubric demonstrating work two grade levels above the current grade level.

●≥98th percentile using accepted tests in areas outlined in the Chatham County Schools AIG Plan may be submitted by parents/guardians. These tests and reports must be conducted and written by a private, licensed psychologist or psychiatrist with a school-related focus. The entirety of the report must be presented to the county Needs Determination Team. Psychological reports must be submitted in full and will be considered in full for the best educational placement of the student. CCS is not responsible for providing outside testing.

●≥90%on the AIG Specialist Inventory (based on multiple sources from current research).

●≥90% on the Research Checklist for reading and/or math (currently the Scales for Rating the Behavioral Characteristics of Superior Students, also known as Renzulli Scales are used).

●Highest 2% (within the school) on a nationally normed standardized test demonstrating understanding two years or above the current grade in Reading comprehension.

●Highest 2% (within the school) on a nationally normed standardized test demonstrating understanding of mathematics two years or above the current grade.

Students placed in K-2 are considered Highly Gifted, AI if both reading and math meet the Highly Gifted standard.

Social/Emotional Needs

Dr. Rick Courtright of Duke TIP says, “Gifted students are often just more gifted in many areas.” He includes social and emotional needs in those many areas. Gifted students are no more prone to having needs than any other group of students. However, their needs can be profoundly different and intense.

CCS wants to assist each child in the best possible way. If you or your child need assistance in this area, we are ready to help. Grade level does not matter. Let your specialist know your concerns. AIG will work with classroom teachers and guidance counselors to find the best solutions within the school system.

Some of the issues you may encounter include:
●  Perfectionism
●  Intensity
●  Loneliness
●  Frustration
●  Apathy
●  Lack of organizational skills