Identification

Students in Grades K-5

Students in all elementary grades are automatically referred through a system-wide assessment process. This process begins with Northwest Evaluation Association Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Assessment in the beginning of the school year. Students who meet the criteria ( > 90% RT (Reading Total) or > 90% MT (Math Total) set by the Georgia Department of Education’s guidelines will receive further formal evaluation. This testing will include a mental ability assessment (CogAT) and creativity and motivation assessments done by classroom teachers.

Students New to the DeKalb County School System

New students to the DeKalb County School Systemcan be referred by parents, teachers, and administrators for an eligibility review conducted by the home school's Eligibility Team. Standardized test scores that are within a two year period may be used as a referral for further evaluation.

Transferring within the DeKalb county School District

If a student in a gifted program is transferring within the DCSD, he or she will automatically become part of the receiving school’s gifted program.

Transferring Within the State of Georgia

A student already participating in a gifted program in another Georgia school system will be eligible to participate in the DeKalb County School System’s Program for Gifted upon receipt of eligible scores from the sending school and their review by the Eligibility Team.

Gifted Students from Out-of-State Programs

Gifted students who enroll from an out-of-state program must meet Georgia requirements in order to be placed in the DCSD’s Program for Gifted. All scores must be current within two years and additional assessment may be necessary.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for gifted services, students must qualify in three of the following four areas:

1. Mental Ability: Minimum of 96% in at least one sub-test area.

2. Achievement: Minimum of 90% on the total reading, total math, or complete composite.

3. Creativity: Minimum of 90% on an assessment for creativity.

4. Motivation: Grades K-12 — Minimum of 90% on an assessment for motivation