Culver Community Schools identify students as high ability in one of the following categories: General Intellectual, Math Only, or Language Arts Only. Once a student is identified in one of these three areas, we provide appropriately differentiated instruction in a variety of program options. We do not currently identify students as high ability in other subjects besides math and language arts.
The process to identify students is multi-faceted and takes into account several different measures. Student's academic test scores of achievement tests such as NWEA, student's aptitude test scores such as CogAT and the PSAT/AP potential tool, as well as student work, and teacher nominations are all taken into account while selecting students for the Voyagers program.
Elementary Selection Procedures
In the spring of Kindergarten, and spring of 2nd grade; all students who are not currently identified OR only identified in one subject area will participate in a the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) screener. Students scoring in the top 15% of their peers on the CogAT screener will take the full CogAT Assessment. Students who take the full CogAT assessment and score in 9th stanine (96th percentile) or above will be identified in the corresponding content area. The review process will also consist of NWEA score review, monitoring for students who may fall in the 96th percentile. Classroom teachers of students scoring just outside of the 96th percentile on either the NWEA or CogAT will complete a Scales for Identifying Gifted Students (SIGS) on those students. SIGS is a quantitative measure that was developed to assist in identifying high ability students. The information will help determine if the students scoring within the standard error of measure will qualify for services.
Additionally, students achievement test scores, class work, and classroom assessments will be monitored yearly by classroom teachers to appeal and nominate students for high ability testing and services.
Middle School Selection Procedures
In the fall of 5th grade, the process used for identification in kindergarten and 2nd grade is repeated.
High School Identification Plan
Students identified as a high ability student and participating in high ability programming, will continue to receive services unless they are withdrawn through our exit procedures. These students self select courses that are rigorous and challenging.
Additionally, student scores on the PSAT will be reviewed and students who show potential will be identified and counseled into appropriate courses.
Appeals Procedure
Parents may appeal the corporation’s decision on the identification of their child by submitting a completed High Ability Appeal Form to the district High Ability Coordinator. The form must be emailed, hand-delivered, or postmarked by May 1st.
An appeal does not re-evaluate student data already considered in the original identification process. Scoring at the Pass Plus level on ISTEP+, high grades, or high performance on classroom benchmark assessments are not valid reasons for an appeal. The purpose of the appeal is to bring new information to the attention of the committee that could lead to a different decision. These may include alternate measures of ability and/or achievement.
A committee consisting of the coordinator, an administrator, and classroom teacher will convene to review the appeals and any additional information the parent submits and reach a decision about the most appropriate placement for the student. Parents will be notified in writing of the results of the appeal.