Nominations

For students being considered within the areas of academics, nominations typically occur following NWEA testing in the fall and spring. GT faculty review student outcome records for grades 3,5, and 8 - looking to identify students scoring at the 95^th percentile or higher in any given area, and then pursue further research to determine whether a pattern of advanced performance over a period of time is evident or emerging.

Classroom teachers and parents may also initiate the consideration of an academic nomination by completing a RSU 13 Gifted & Talented Program Screening Nomination Form. This nomination/referral process is available by contacting the school principal or the responding GT faculty member.

Faculty within the visual and performing arts typically identify and bring forward nominations for students who consistently display advanced abilities or talents. Nominations are coordinated with the GT teacher responding within the grade level(s) being considered and portfolio reviews and considerations are typically held during the months of January or February of the school year.

Identification

The Composition & Role of Selection Committees:

Students are typically nominated by teachers, mentors, or parents for consideration of eligibility within this exceptionality.

Central to the identification process is the composition and role of the GT Selection Committee, whether nomination is being recommended within the visual and performing arts or academics. Committee membership is typically made up of six to eight participants representing teachers, administrators, educational specialists, and possibly individuals experienced in mentoring or coaching within their respective fields. The mission of the committee is to review historical and recent assessment data, survey information, teacher and parent recommendations, and samples of student work or body of work portfolios to determine GT eligibility.

An important aspect of this process is that personal identification of students is avoided during committee deliberations and consideration. Committee members are only made aware of the grade level and age of the students being considered.

Students Identified Within Academics:

Maine Laws & Rules - Chapter 104 states that a minimum of three assessments methods will be used to identify academically gifted talented children. RSU 13 uses the NWEA, Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), and a subjective teacher evaluation and a parent evaluation. Other data can be used when applicable. All data is submitted via student identification numbers to the GT committee for final identification.

Students Identified Within the Visual & Performing Arts:

Again, under Chapter 104 for visual performing arts, work submitted may include pupil products such as auditions, portfolios, works-in-progress, and performances. RSU 13 looks at works submitted and uses teacher and parent referrals. Other referrals are accepted as well. Students are initially selected by at least three teachers in their area of expertise (i.e. art faculty select GT art students). The final list of nominees is sent to the GT committee for final identification.

See Chapter 104