drive Gifted and Talented Education Screening and Referral Instructions

drive Gifted and Talented Education Screening and Referral

Introduction

Gifted and Talented Education Screening and Referral Frequently Asked Questions
Gifted and Talented Education in Atlanta Public Schools (APS) provides differentiated instruction for intellectually advanced and creatively gifted students. Gifted services are available for actively enrolled students in kindergarten through twelfth grade in an APS school. Note that students residing in the city of Atlanta enrolled in private schools or home study programs are not eligible for APS gifted testing and services.

What is the process for having my child evaluated for the Gifted and Talented Education Program?
APS annually screens all students actively enrolled in an APS school for the appropriateness of referral for gifted eligibility testing. The screening/referral and testing processes follow two timelines: · “Second Look” screening is for students previously tested in “First Look.” · “First Look” screening is for students who do not have current gifted testing data on record
What is Second Look screening?
Second Look refers to students tested and found ineligible for gifted services with currently available data. The local school eligibility team will review these students’ data to determine if they qualify for alternative assessments that may make them eligible for gifted services.
What is First Look screening?
First Look refers to students not previously tested or who do not have current test data (less than 2 years old) available. These students are screened annually through the automatic, teacher, and parent referral processes:

1. Automatic Screening ­ The gifted eligibility team at each school reviews scores after fall semester, district-administered achievement testing. The team refers students for gifted testing who either:
   i. Scored 85%ile or higher on the Reading or Math district achievement assessment,
   ii. Were identified as gifted in another state.

2. Teacher Screening ­ After automatic referral decisions, additional students may receive a referral from current teachers. Invited certified teachers may complete the Traits, Aptitudes, and Behaviors (TABs) Instrument for a student demonstrating ten gifted behaviors. The eligibility team refers students who meet the referral threshold on the TABs instrument and possess required supporting data.

3. Parent Referral ­ Any parent within APS may request referral of their child for gifted testing. Parents must submit the Online Referral Form for review within the referral window. Otherwise, the student will test in the following school year. Students referred by a parent must score at the 80th %ile or higher in Reading or Math on the district-administered fall semester achievement test to be referred.

What happens next if my child is screened and referred for gifted testing?
Students screened through a second or first Look (automatic, teacher, or parent) are possibly referred for gifted testing. Once referred for testing:

• The parent receives, signs, and returns the Parent Notification for Testing Consent Form to the school
• The student is evaluated for gifted services; Eligibility is determined; Parents are notified by May.

Can my child be assessed before the start of the school year?
No. As outlined here, the screening and testing process will occur during the school year.

When does Second Look screening/testing take place?
All students tested in the previous school year are possible Second Look students. They will have their data reviewed in August. Students referred for additional Second Look testing will test in September-October. The eligibility team will notify parents if a child qualifies for a second look. It is important to note that many alternative assessments used with Second Look students may not feel like a “test” to the student. The eligibility team notifies parents of the child’s eligibility status by late October.

When does First Look screening/testing take place?
All students are screened through the automatic and classroom screening processes from October through January. First Look students referred for testing will test in the February-March time frame. All parents will be notified of eligibility by May.

How long is the testing process?
The time depends on your child’s grade level and the required data. Gifted testing will consist of approximately one hour each day for one to seven days.

What if my child was identified as gifted in another state?
There is no reciprocity between states for gifted education. However, students with documentation of gifted eligibility in another state are referred for testing in APS for the next testing cycle. Before testing, the eligibility team will review students’ current test scores and determine if any may be utilized in deciding Georgia eligibility.

May I provide results from private assessments?
The school’s Eligibility Team determines gifted eligibility based on the findings of Atlanta Public Schools approved assessments. Therefore, private testing or evaluations will not be accepted to establish eligibility for APS gifted services.

Whom do I contact about the gifted program at my school?
Each school in APS has a gifted eligibility chairperson and a gifted lead teacher to assist you.

What are the benefits of the gifted program?
Intellectually gifted and exceptionally creative students have unique learning characteristics, interests, personal needs, and capabilities. Gifted and Talented Education addresses these unique characteristics and needs. In addition, the program allows gifted students to interact with their intellectual peers as they participate in classes that extend and enrich the Georgia core curriculum.

If my child is determined eligible, how and when would their schedule change?
For Elementary Students: Second Look students found eligible typically begin services as soon as possible. First Look students found eligible will begin services at the start of the following fall semester. For Middle and High School students: Second Look students found eligible will begin services at the semester change. First Look students found eligible will begin services at the start of the following fall semester.

How will gifted services look for my child?
Elementary school gifted students receive a minimum of five gifted segments (1 segment = 1/6 instructional day) each week from a gifted-endorsed teacher. Students receive services in a resource model, cluster grouping, collaboration, or advanced content. Middle school gifted students receive five segments each week through core content courses. School personnel determines the specific courses for a student using past classroom performance, nationally normed achievement test scores, and teacher recommendations. High school gifted students receive services through Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate courses, Internships, Directed Study, Seminars, or Mentorship.

For additional information, contact the Office of Gifted and Talented Education404-802-7585.

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