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Official Identification of Talented and Gifted students does not take place until 3rd grade. The Cognitive Abilities test (CogAT), a universal screener, is given to all students at the end of 2nd grade.
This is one of many measures that determines eligibility for talented and gifted services.
One of the most talked about issues in gifted education is identification. There are many opinions, theories, and ideas surrounding this topic. In Mount Vernon, we are committed to using best practices and aligning our identification process to both our definition of talented and gifted students and also to the state of Iowa guidelines. The Iowa Code requires that schools have TAG programs and clearly defined identification procedures. It also provides information on the funding for TAG programs and how that funding can be used.
How do we identify?
How do we identify?
Because the definition of TAG students includes multiple areas in which students may show giftedness, it is important to make sure that we are using multiple criteria for identification. The CogAT (taken at the end of 2nd grade), ISASP scores (beginning at the end of 3rd grade), and the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking is what we use to determine eligibility in 3-4, and the iExcel test, as well as standardized tests such as ISASP and FastBridge are added in middle school.
Below is a document that shows the 4 paths that are used for identification at the elementary school. Students may qualify for TAG services if they meet the criteria of any of the paths. Path number four is an equal access pathway which may be used for students that are members of under-represented populations.
Identification Procedures (1).pdfBelow is the document for identification of middle school students, including the equal access pathway for underserved populations and twice-exceptionality:
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