Criteria for Identification

Criteria for Identification -  “What assessments does the district administer that provides for gifted identification?”

Modifications are made as necessary for students who are culturally diverse, economically disadvantaged, have a disability or have limited English Proficiency.

Superior Cognitive Ability: This area of giftedness typically describes a student who demonstrates advanced cognitive reasoning and problem solving skills.

A student shall be identified as exhibiting “superior cognitive ability” if the student did either of the following within the preceding 24 months:

• Scored two standard deviations above the mean, minus the standard error of measurement, on an approved individual standardized intelligence test administered by a licensed psychologist; or

• Accomplished any one of the following:

  • Scored at least two standard deviations above the mean, minus the standard error of measurement, on an approved standardized group intelligence test;

  • Performed at or above the 95% percentile on an approved individual or group standardized basic or composite battery of a nationally normed achievement test; or

  • Attained an approved score on one or more above grade-level standardized nationally normed approved tests.

Specific Academic Ability:  This area of giftedness typically describes a student who demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills in a core subject area, such as math, reading, science, or social studies.   A student shall be identified as exhibiting “specific academic ability” superior to that of students to similar age in a specific academic area,if, within the preceding twenty-four months, the student performs at or above the 95th percentile at the national level on an approved individual or group standardized test of specific academic ability in that field.

Creative Thinking Ability:  This area of giftedness typically describes a student who demonstrates innovative or unique ways of thinking.  A student shall be identified as exhibiting “creative thinking ability” superior to children of a similar age, if, within the preceding 24 months, the student scored at least one standard deviation above the mean, minus the standard error of measurement, on an approved individual or group intelligence test AND also did either of the following:

• Attained a sufficient score, as established by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, on an approved individual or group test of creative ability;

• Established sufficient performance, as established by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, on an approved checklist of creative behaviors.

Visual and/or Performing Arts:  This area of giftedness typically describes a student who demonstrates advanced artistic talent in the areas of visual art, vocal or instrumental music, drama, or dance.  A student shall be identified as exhibiting “visual or performing arts ability” superior to that of children of similar age if the student has done BOTH of the following:

• Exhibited to a trained individual sufficient performance, as established by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, on an approved checklist of behaviors related to a specific arts area.

• Demonstrated superior ability in a visual or performing arts area to a trained individual through a display of work, an audition, or other performance or exhibition.

Considerations for Underrepresented Students

Ohio’s regulations give protection to students of color, English language learners, students who are economically disadvantaged, and students with disabilities.  They may not be prevented from being identified as gifted if they meet state criteria.  Maumee City Schools ensures equal access to screening and further assessment of all district students, including culturally or linguistically diverse students, students from low socio-economic backgrounds, students with disabilities and students from whom English is a second language. 

Permanence of Gifted Identification - “Can a student lose their identification?”

Once identified, always identified.  Ohio law states once a student is identified as gifted by an Ohio public school district, that identification remains for the duration of the student’s academic career in Ohio regardless of future test scores.

Transfer Students
Gifted identification in another Ohio public school district may be recognized by Maumee City Schools.  Families should provide documentation of identification from the previous school district when enrolling the child.  Students identified as gifted by a district outside of Ohio may be identified in Ohio if the tests used are less than twenty-four months old and are on the Ohio Department of Education’s approved assessment list.  If the testing does not meet the criteria, the student may be referred for testing within 90 days of enrollment at family request.

Appeal Procedure

A parental or guardian appeal reconsiders any part of the identification process, including:

• Screening procedure or assessment instrument (which results in identification);

• Scheduling of child for assessment;

• Placement of a student in any program;

• Receipt of services

Parents should submit a letter to the Director of Teaching and Learning outlining the nature of the concern.  The Director of Teaching and Learning will convene a meeting with the parent/guardian, which may include other school personnel.  The Director of Teaching and Learning will issue a written final decision within 30 days of the appeal.  This written notice should include the reason for the decision(s).

Identification and Service Plan Approval

District identification and service plans must be sent to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce as part of the annual self-report.  The department will review the plans within 60 days of submission.  Changes in identification and /or service plan procedures must be reported to the Ohio Department of Education immediately upon revision.  The department will review and notify the district within 60 days of receipt of revisions.