New Lexington School District

2549 Panther Drive

New Lexington, Ohio  43764

Gifted Coordinator:

Erin Schumaker

New Lexington Schools

740-342-4128 ext. 3209

District Policy for

the Identification of and 

Services for STudents

Who Are Gifted

Information for Parents

December 2017

DISTRICT CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES FOR

SCREENING & IDENTIFICATION:

Whole grade screening procedures for ability and achievement using test instruments approved by the Ohio Department of Education are administered to all students in the grades two and five.  Based upon a thorough review of the test results the Gifted Coordinator will determine the identified gifted students who qualify for services.  Parents are notified of the test results within 30 days of the assessment.  For those students meeting the screening score but not the identification score, further testing is conducted.

Opportunities for screening and identification of students in grades K-12 may be made anytime throughout the school year.

A parent, student, peer, teacher, administrator, guidance counselor, or school psychologist may refer a student.  To access a referral form, please visit the school’s website at sc.nlcs.k12.oh.us  and follow the links to the referral form.  The referral must be submitted to the district GIS or Gifted Coordinator.

Criteria and procedures used to screen/identify students are based upon Ohio’s Operating Standards for Identifying and Serving Gifted Students.

Tests are administered in student’s native language when necessary.

Tests used reflect accurate aptitude/achievement in students with physical and sensory disabilities and are valid for special populations.

Tests are administered by qualified personnel.

Appropriate methods are used to screen/assess students who are culturally diverse, economically disadvantaged, or have a disability or limited English Proficiency.

Transfer students are assessed within ninety days at the request of the parent(s).

Outside testing data is accepted. An appeals process is followed for decisions regarding screening and identification.

Criterion for placement is based upon Ohio Operating Standards for Identifying and Serving Gifted Students and is available upon request to any parent, student or district educator.  This criterion does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, disability status, first language or socio-economic status.  All services provided are consistent with students’ areas of identification and are differentiated to meet their needs.

CONTINUUM OF SERVICES:                                                                                                   

Second Grade – Eighth Grade: Criterion for identification and service at this level: Superior Cognitive – 126  (Otis-Lennon); Creative Thinking Ability – 110 (Otis Lennon) & 90 (GATES-2) Specific Academic Achievement – 95%ile in Math and/or Reading (IOWA).  

Students are formally clustered into designated classrooms per grade level (2-8) in Reading and Mathematics.

Classroom teachers have received extensive training in the areas of gifted identification, curriculum development and assessment and meet regularly with the Gifted Coordinator for on-going professional development during the year.

Ninth – Twelfth Grades:  Students at this level have the opportunity to participate in Advanced Placement Courses and  Post-Secondary Option.

The district also has documented policy and procedures for early entrance, grade acceleration, subject acceleration, and early graduation as options for those students in need of additional challenge.

If parents are dissatisfied with his/her child’s placement an appeals process is available.  In addition, if parents or students desire to withdraw from services, a request may be submitted in writing to the building principal and teacher followed by a conference to discuss appropriate options.

Services for identified gifted students are documented on their Written Education Plan (WEP) each year.  Students’ goals are written on the WEP as well as the methods used for evaluating progress toward specified goals.  The staff member responsible for ensuring delivery of services is listed on the students’ WEP.

In the fall of the school year, copies of students’ WEPs are made available to parents and to those staff members responsible for providing the service delivery.

Expectations regarding assignments missed:  Assignments will be waived and tests rescheduled for the student if he/she has participated in any gifted services provided outside of the general education classroom.