How do students get nominated for the AIG program? Fourth and fifth grade students may be nominated by a teacher, parent, or themselves during the first or second semester nomination windows. Dates for these nomination windows will be posted at the school and on this website.
What happens after my student is nominated?
The School Based Committee for Gifted Education (SBC-GE) meets to discuss each nominated student. At that time, a decision is made whether or not to refer that student for testing. Nomination does not guarantee that your student will be tested. Students who are referred for further testing will receive paperwork granting parental permission to administer tests at school.
Who are the SBC-GE and what is their purpose?
The SBC-GE is made up of the AIG teachers, an administrator, and two teacher representatives. This committee reviews nominations made for the AIG program, determines which students will be referred for testing, and reviews the results of testing to evaluate student need for differentiated services.
What tests are used for AIG testing?
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and the Iowa Assessments (formerly called the ITBS). The CogAT measures aptitude (potential) and the ITBS measures achievement (performance). Both tests are nationally normed, which means they have their scoring percentiles set based on a large nationwide sample of students. There are other individual evaluations that may be administered also, as determined by the SBC-GE.
Are the test scores the only thing the SBC-GE uses to determine placement?
No. As part of the identification process, both teachers and parents provide feedback on the strengths of the student. This data is referred to as the "informal indicators." Classwork and assessments are also reviewed as part of the process.
When will I find out whether my student has qualified for the AIG Program?
Results are usually sent home near the end of the semester in which students are tested. This usually means December for first semester identifications and April/May for second semester identifications.
Why does it take so long to find out my students' results?
The identification process is made up of many steps. After the nomination window closes, the SBC-GE meets to make referrals. Consent forms, teacher feedback, and parent feedback must be collected. Students receive their testing, which is scored off-site over the course of several weeks. After test scores are returned to schools, the SBC-GE reviews testing data and informal indicators for each student. Once school-level decisions are made, all paperwork must go through the WCPSS Central Services before results become official. Documentation and information about decisions are prepared for parents and sent home.
What if my child is not placed in the AIG Program?
If your child does not qualify for AIG services, he/she will participate in our Talent Development Program in Math and/or ELA, which is a small group of higher level learners who work with our AIG Teacher.
If, after reviewing the paperwork sent home, you still have questions about your child's placement results, you can email the AIG Teacher. Many times, questions can be answered over email. You may also request a conference. It is important to keep in mind that academically gifted is not the same thing as "smart" or "bright." It is very important that your student knows that you are still proud of his or her achievements, regardless of their placement in the AIG Program.