Identification Procedures

The following multiple measures are used for identification purposes:

CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test): Tests Verbal, Quantitative and Nonverbal Reasoning.

(Composite VQN Score of 128 or higher along with local norm comparisons)

Scales for Rating the Behavioral Characteristics of Superior Students (Renzulli Scales):

Categories for Consideration- Learning Characteristics, Creativity, Motivation, Leadership, Planning, Total Score.

(Scores of 85% or higher in one or more categories)

Screening Assessment for Gifted Elementary and Middle School Students (SAGES) : Screening device used to identify students ages 5-14 who are gifted in the academic areas of math/science; language arts/social studies; and reasoning.

(Scores of 90% or higher in subtests, along with local norm comparisons)

Teacher Recommendations**: Teachers recommend students who routinely display extraordinary performance in the areas of leadership, motivation, work ethic, natural curiosity, academic aptitude, productive thinking, reasoning, and creativity. These students produce work that exceeds grade level expectations and serves as a model for others in the general education setting.

Parent Nominations**: Parent nominations in writing will be accepted at any time. However, students will engage in the screening process during the spring of the school year for which the parent nomination letter was received. At least one teacher recommendation must accompany the parent nomination letter in order for the student to be considered for further screening.

NJSLA/ MAP/Link It: Scores for ELA and Math are considered when the eligibility criteria is deemed inconclusive or not available.

Primary Education Thinking Skills (P.E.T.S.): Teacher observations and activity assessments are considered as part of the overall screening process (Grades K-2).

Outside Testing:

As per the Northern Valley Identification Process, outside testing is not considered for screening purposes. However, a copy of any test scores from outside sources will be added to the student’s Identification Profile portfolio.

Universal Screening takes place during the spring for all students in grades 2 and 5.

New students and parent/teacher nominated students are screened in the spring of the year in which they arrive or are nominated.

**Parent/Teacher Recommendation Form:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ut2vAQu20MN8oCnAnkpHJ8MYy6DWc403/view?usp=sharing

Identification Goals:

  • Determine a student’s specific needs so that he or she can be matched with appropriate programming.

  • Locate students with advanced academic abilities or interests in specific areas of the curriculum to further develop excellence in those domains.

  • Identify students who would benefit from individualized learning plans that reach beyond the scope of what is covered in their standard grade-level curriculums.

  • Institute a system that is culturally responsive to our student population and includes all stakeholders from our school community.