Screening & Evaluation Process

Screening
Universal screening for gifted support services is completed with district-wide assessments administered to students at applicable times. Students are provided instruction appropriate for their achievement through small group instruction in first through fifth grade, with higher level courses offered for students demonstrating higher achievement in sixth grade and beyond. Students who demonstrate higher achievement needs may be referred to building level teams to discuss a possible screening for gifted support services. Once a screening is completed, a student is referred for a full evaluation for gifted support services if the team believes this is appropriate and the data supports the referral. Both the screening and evaluation process is aligned with Chapter 16 regulations that examine both cognitive ability and other multiple factors that may indicate giftedness. 

Evaluation
Students are evaluated in accordance with Chapter 16 regulations. Referrals for evaluation can be made by the school team. Parents may also request an evaluation, but parents are encouraged to start with the screening process first to determine if a full evaluation is recommended. Once the evaluation is completed, a GIEP is developed by the team if the student is eligible for and in need of gifted support services. In order to be eligible for gifted support services, the student must be gifted and in need of specially designed instruction in the form of gifted support services.