Prior to the 3rd Grade, students may be AIG identified if the following criteria are met:

• Clear demonstration of need for differentiated service through a portfolio that shows consistent performance two or more grade levels above the current grade level.

• Cognitive/Aptitude: total score at the 98th percentile or higher

• Achievement: total reading and/or mathematics score on WCPSS required AIG tests at the 98th percentile or higher.

Early Identified Students are served on a consultative basis in partnership with their classroom teacher.

WCPSS administers the CogAT as a screener for giftedness to all 3rd grade students. Students who attain a composite subtest score at or above the 85th percentile, or are nominated by parents, teachers, or other school staff will be eligible to take the IOWA Assessment. Students who score at or above the 95% on a subtest on the CogAT or on the Reading or Math sections of the IOWA are considered for referral to Salem's SBCGE for formal identification. The committee will proceed in determining if the student should be identified.

Students are identified Academically Gifted (AG), Intellectually Gifted (IG), or Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) in reading and/or math.

Identified students will begin to receive pull out classes 45 minutes per week in each identified subject area with the AIG teacher.

Following the 3rd Grade CogAT and Iowa, students may be AIG identified through the nomination process. Students can be nominated by their parents, teacher, other school staff, or themselves. Written nominations can be submitted to Mrs. Finch via email (jdfinch@wcpss.net) at any point in the school year, but the formal nomination window opens at the beginning of first and third quarters. During this time data is gathered (EOG and other standardized test scores, grades, classroom work samples, parent and teacher checklists, etc) and taken to SBCGE who makes the final decision on whether or not to refer a child for evaluation for gifted services.

This process takes a semester to complete, and if identified, the child will begin services the following semester.

WCPSS offers reciprocity to students identified as gifted in other districts. Please submit a copy of gifted documentation from the former school to Mrs. Finch to start the process.

Yes! Follow the procedures for nominating a 4th or 5th grader above. A full calendar year and one day must pass between referrals to SBCGE.