The State Department of Eudcation requires that “all second-grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist.” The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that students from all populations and socio-economic groups, as well as students with disabilities and students who are limited-English proficient are given the opportunity to be considered for gifted services.
During the first semester, second-grade teachers (and other staff who might come in contact with second graders) will observe the students in their classrooms and note any gifted behaviors on the form provided by the gifted teacher. Several lessons will be taught by the gifted teacher to each second-grade class. These lessons are specially designed to ilicit gifted behaviors and are scored based on the number and strength of the behaviors they show. In addition, a screening test (the NNAT2) is given to every second grade student. Screening tests are not full scale IQ tests, which can only be administered by a psychomotirst. Following the observation period, both the second-grade and gifted teachers (along with any other relevant teachers) will record their conclusions for referral to the Gifted Referral Screening Team (GRST).
After attaining parental permission, the GRST members assess information that has already been collected and decide what other pieces may be needed to show as complete a profile as possible on those students that showed significant gifted bahaviors. Based on the test scores and other information the GRST determins if the student qualifies for gifted services, does not qualifiy for gifted services, or if a different additional test is needed.
If another test is needed the student is referred to the Individual Testing department at the Jefferson County Board of Education. A psychomitrist will come out to the school and administer a full scale IQ test to the student. That score will be included with the previously gathered information and a new determination is made.
After a final determination is made the parents of the student will be notified whether or not their child qualifies for gifted services.