Definition:

Mentally gifted students include those with an IQ score of at least 130 who also meet additional criteria. A student cannot be identified as gifted using only an IQ score. The student must also have a need for enrichment that cannot be fulfilled in regular education. Multiple Criteria is used to aid in determining eligibility for the Humanities Program. Multiple Criteria is defined by 22 Pa. Code 16.21 (d) as:

• A year or more above grade achievement level for the normal age group in one or more subjects as measured by a nationally normed and validated achievement test.

• An observed or measured rate of acquisition/retention of new academic content or skills.

• Demonstrated achievement, performance, or expertise in one or more academic areas as evidenced by excellence of products, portfolio, or research, as well as criterion-reference team judgment.

• Early and measured use of high level thinking skills, academic creativity, leadership skills, intense academic interest areas, communication skills, foreign language aptitude, or technology expertise.

• Documented, observed, validated or assessed evidence that intervening factors are masking gifted ability.

Some measurements of the multiple criteria used to determine need for enrichment may include:

Report Cards
Achievement Test Scores
Record Reviews
Curriculum Based Assessments
Teacher Recommendations
Parent Recommendations

These criteria, along with the Full Scale IQ Score will be used in evaluating eligibility for the Humanities Program.

Intervening Factors:

Intervening factors may mask gifted ability. Students identified as English Language Learners, Learning Disabled, Physically Impaired, Emotionally Disturbed, Gender or Race Bias, or Socio/Culturally deprived are also eligible for the program. These factors will be taken into consideration when children with an IQ score lower than 130 demonstrate other educational criteria that strongly indicate gifted ability.

Outside Testing:

Parents, at their own expense, may obtain an independent evaluation by a certified school psychologist. Private evaluators must also use the WISC IV. The Gifted Multi-Disciplinary Team (GMDT) will review any private reports submitted by parents, determine eligibility for the gifted program, and be responsible for writing the Gifted Written Report (GWR).

Parent Requests:

A written request is required by parents who are recommending their children for gifted screening. Parents are entitled to request one evaluation per school year. Best practice for reevaluations using the WISC IV requires a wait period of 364 days.

Protocol:

• Results of the Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation (GMDE) will be reviewed by the Gifted Multidisciplinary Team (GMDT) of which the school psychologist is a member. After reviewing the data, the GMDT will determine if the student is appropriate for placement in the program. A Gifted Written Report (GWR) is prepared. This report summarizes the findings from the evaluation. It is written in a way that is clear to parents and educators as to the specific student's need for enrichment or a regular education program if enrichment is not indicated.

• A Gifted Individual Educational Program (GIEP) team will convene to review the recommendations and draft a GIEP for the student if he/she is found to be gifted and in need of enrichment.

• A child does not need to be reevaluated to remain in the program. However, if a child is reevaluated as a request from the parents or the LEA (Local Educational Agency), and is found to be no longer eligible for the program, he/she will be recommended to return to regular education. The change in placement will occur at a time that is sensitive to the child's feelings, such as the end of a marking period or school year.