What is AIG?
State Definition of AIG Students, Article 9B (N.C.G.S. § 115C-150.5) :
Academically or intellectually gifted students perform or show the potential to perform at substantially high levels of accomplishment when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment. Academically or intellectually gifted students exhibit high performance capability in intellectual areas, specific academic fields, or in both the intellectual areas and specific academic fields. Academically or intellectually gifted students require differentiated educational services beyond those ordinarily provided by the regular educational program. Outstanding abilities are present in students from all cultural groups, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.
Annual Screening
GCS administers the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) annually at the 3rd grade level. An opt-in screening is offered for all students at the sixth grade level, for new enrollments in grades 4-8, and for any students in grades 9-12 who wish to be screened. End of Grade (EOG) and End of Course (EOC) scores are analyzed once a year at the 3rd-12th grade levels. A student that scores ≥ 90% on any of these assessments are eligible for placement into the local program.
Portfolio Process
The portfolio process should be used when a student does not have the numerical test score needed on the EOG, CogAT, etc. and requires another qualifying piece of evidence for identification. If all testing resources have been used, a portfolio can then be created by the referring classroom teacher(s) to be submitted to the school AIG Review Committee. If approved, a student may be identified and eligible for services. A student must participate in at least one CogAT screening (or similar testing administration) in order to be referred to the portfolio process. Student referrals can be made by teachers and staff, parents, and the students, themselves. The portfolio process does not guarantee placement into the program.
Identification and Pathways
The local AIG Program uses pathways for identification, which provide multiple opportunities for students at all grade levels to be identified. A student will be served according to their pathway (e.g. a student that enters the program under Pathway #2, Academically Gifted in Math, will receive mathematically-rich services). All eligibility criteria for identification are established based on local student achievement data and demographics and are reviewed annually for potential candidates.
Please note the following:
Students must demonstrate eligibility by meeting at least two criteria within an identified pathway.
Once eligibility is established, students will begin a one-year probationary period.
During the probationary period, students will receive Talent Development services to support their growth.
At the conclusion of the probationary year, students must continue to meet the same two qualifying criteria in order to move forward in the program.
If a student does not meet the same two criteria after the first year, the student will restart the process, beginning a new probationary year.
Students are allowed multiple opportunities to requalify and meet the criteria for two consecutive years in order to achieve full program status.
Pathway 1: Academically Gifted in Reading (AR)
≥ 93% on Reading EOG/EOC test OR
≥ 95% in CogAT Verbal battery OR ≥ 90% in 2 or more (1 being Verbal)
or similar aptitude test
AND
Grades from previous semester ≥ 90% average OR
GPA of ≥3.63
OR approved portfolio submission
Pathway 2: Academically Gifted in Math (AM)
≥ 93% on Math EOG/EOC test OR
≥ 95% in CogAT Quantitative battery OR ≥ 90% in 2 or more (1 being Quantitative)
or similar aptitude test
AND
Grades from previous semester ≥ 90% average OR
GPA of ≥ 3.63
OR approved portfolio submission
Pathway 3: Academically Gifted (AG)
≥ 93% on Reading AND Math EOG/EOC test OR
≥ 95% in CogAT Quantitative or Verbal battery OR ≥ 90% in 2 or more
or similar aptitude test
AND
Grades from previous semester ≥ 90% average OR
GPA of ≥ 3.63
OR approved portfolio submission
Pathway 4: Intellectually Gifted
≥ 95% in any 1 battery OR
≥ 90% in 2 or more
or similar aptitude test
AND
Grades from previous semester ≥ 90% average OR
GPA of ≥ 3.63
Pathway 5: Academically and Intellectually Gifted
Must meet both criteria to qualify
Meets the qualifications for Academically Gifted (AG)
Meets the qualifications for Intellectually Gifted (IG)
The formal identification process begins in the third grade. Any K-2 student that scores ≥ 98% on a standardized IQ test administered privately by a licensed psychologist will be eligible for identification.
Differentiated Education Plan (DEP)
A Differentiated Education Plan (DEP) articulates the differentiated curriculum and instruction services that match the identified needs of the K-12 AIG student. This document is reviewed annually with parents/families to ensure effective programming, provide a continuum of services, and support school transitions (North Carolina Academically or Intellectually Gifted Program Standards - Standard 3, Practice i).
Elementary School:
Approximately 45 minutes of pull-out services/week (facilitated by an AIG Teacher)
Middle School:
Approximately 45 minutes of pull-out services/week (facilitated by an AIG Teacher)
AIG and other high performing students in grades 6-8 may select courses that fall under Honors or the Advanced Math or Science track, if available
High School:
Monthly 15-minute conference (facilitated by an AIG Teacher)
AIG and other high performing students in grades 9-12 may select Honors, Advanced Placement, and dual enrollment courses , if available
All students:
Academic and social-emotional counseling
Differentiation in the regular classroom
Extra-curricular and enrichment opportunities
Field trips
Services vary depending upon a student’s need. AIG identification does not guarantee a particular service option, program, class assignment, etc.