Identification

Identification Procedures

Jonesboro Public Schools

ACE Program

Accelerated and Creative Education

Students are placed in the program on the basis of cognitive, creative, and/or academic abilities as well as task commitment. The following are the steps that are taken in the placement process:

1. Students are referred for testing by one of the following:  teachers, parents, or self. Referrals are taken year-round.

2. Permission from parents must be obtained before testing begins.

3. Each student will be tested for ability and creativity using various instruments.

4. Data will be collected on each child and a student profile will be build. The data will include ability and IQ test scores, creativity test scores, standardized test scores, grades, and rating sales to determine the student’s abilities. 

5. When this information is compiled, a building committee reviews the data. (No individual’s name is revealed to ensure non-discriminatory procedures.) The committee is made up of at least five members comprised of teachers, administrators, and/or counselors.The committee is chaired by a trained GT educator. One score may not place nor exclude a student. If the data warrants placement, then the committee recommends placement in the program. Although there are times the committee decides that the child’s needs may be best served through the curriculum in the regular classroom.

GT scores must stand for at least one calendar year to ensure its validity. Grades and checklists may updated, but GT scores (KBIT, KBIT 2, Raven, Torrance, CAP) will only be given once in a calendar year.

6. The Identification processes will be available year-round.

7. Parents will be sent a letter stating the results of the committee.

8. Information obtained during the testing procedures will be available to teachers and parents upon request.

9. The following process will be used when a parent wishes to appeal a placement decision;

   1. Parent should contact an ACE facilitator.

   2. Placement committee reconvenes to discuss parent’s appeal.

   3. If the parent is not satisfied, the district GT coordinator will review the information and make a decision.

   4. Parent may then refer the case to the Assistant Superintendent for additional review.

10. All student records are stored for a minimum of five years at the office of the district GT coordinator.

Once placed in the program, students in grades 4-6 meet with an ACE facilitator for at least 150 minutes weekly. During this time, the children engage in research skills, creative thinking, critical thinking, and independent studies.