PLEASE NOTE: The process for 1st graders is different than 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders.
Step 1: Screening: All first graders are screened for gifted testing in the fall. Screening is the first step towards gifted identification, and the Naglieri Nonverbal Test (NNAT3) is administered to the students. Students who score in the 90th percentile or higher are automatically recommended for additional testing. However, a student does not have to score in the 90th percentile or higher to continue with the testing process. Students can also be recommended by the teacher or parent, and students can even recommend themselves. Scores will be available to parents mid Janaury through ParentVue. Classroom teachers may not discuss the child's scores with you. If you have specific questions about you child's scores, please contact the Gifted Testing Office at 263-6870.
Step 2: Application: Parents must fill out an application on their child. Applications can be found at http://giftedapplication.vbcps.com. Check the due dates on the main testing page. Click on this link for suggestions for filling out the parent form on the application. There is also a video explaining how to fill out the application. Please watch it before proceeding. Please note that the user name and login is your child's Chromebook login and password not your Parent Portal information. Read all directions carefully. Three unsuccessful attempts to login will lock you out.
Step 3: Testing: Students will complete a second test: the CogAT Abilities test. The testing date will be given to you soon after the application's deadline. A gifted testing specialist will come to Holland to test your child. All 504 and IEP accommodations will be followed during testing.
Step 4: Identification: Identification decisions are made by the Gifted Identification and Placement Committee. The committee looks at the entire application to determine identification. You will receive an e-mail informing you of the committee's decision.
Step 5: Old Donation School Placement: If you checked the Old Donation School box on the application and your child was identified during step 4, his or her application will go to the Old Donation School placement committee. If he or she is not accepted at ODS, he or she will automatically be placed in the cluster program at Holland Elementary.