How do students get nominated for the AIG program or for an additional area (math or language arts) of service?
Students may be nominated by a teacher, parent, or themselves during the first or second semester nomination window. Parents may nominate their child for AIG testing with a written nomination sent via email to the AIG teacher or completing the online nomination form. There are two testing windows per year- one each semester.
Once a nomination is received, data is collected, including EOG performance, teacher and parent observational checklists, student work samples and student grades. This information is shared with our School Based Committee for Gifted Education (SBCGE) who makes the decision on whether or not to refer the student for evaluation. Both the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (IOWA) are group administered to the students who are referred for evaluation. The SBCGE reviews all test scores in conjunction with previously collected data and determines if: (a) the student qualifies for services, (b) the student does not qualify for services or (c) additional individual testing is required to determine eligibility.
This process takes a semester to complete. Students who qualify for the program begin receiving services at the start of the following semester.
What if my child is not placed in the AIG program following testing?
A student who does not place in the AIG program may be served through the Talent Development program, a small group of higher level learners who work with the AIG teacher.
After reviewing the paperwork sent home, parents who still have questions about placement results may email Ms. Harris (deeharris@wcpss.net). It is important to keep in mind that academically gifted is not the same thing as "smart" or "bright." Parents should let their child know that they are still proud of the child's achievements, regardless of their placement in the AIG Program.
If my child was identified as gifted in another school system, what process is followed to pursue identification in WCPSS?
We have a transfer/reciprocity process. A review of all gifted documentation from the other school system is required before a student can transfer into our program. Please contact Ms. Harris directly if your child was identified in another school system so that she can begin this process for your student.
For middle school service, will I need to contact you regarding my rising 6th grade AIG student?
AIG identification carries over from elementary to middle school within WCPSS. AIG records are sent along with cumulative folders. We receive reports which indicate the names of our AIG students and their area(s) of identification. If your child has already been identified as AIG in a WCPSS school, there is nothing more you need to do to continue his/her AIG services.
How are AIG students served in elementary school?
AIG identified students are pulled for regularly scheduled classes with the AIG teacher.
How are AIG students served in middle school?
AIG identified students are mostly served in the math and/or language arts core classroom setting. They are not pulled for regularly scheduled classes like the elementary school model. Differentiation is approached with student readiness and learning interest in mind. WCPSS feels students' needs are best met through rigorous challenge in their daily classes. Differentiation of the curriculum takes place through modifying the content, process, and/or product of student work.
Collaboration with math and language arts teachers is key to success. The AIG teacher and the classroom teachers meet to plan differentiated lessons, activities, and projects. The AIG teacher works directly with AIG students during enrichment time, or may join language arts or math classes as requested.