Gifted

Overview

Students are identified as gifted through standardized group testing, individual testing, and portfolio assessment. Osnaburg Local follows guidelines set forth by the Ohio Department of Education and offers an array of services to meet the needs of gifted learners.

Areas of identification include:

  • Superior Cognitive Ability

  • Specific Academic Ability: Reading, Math, Social Studies, & Science

  • Creativity

  • Visual/Performing Arts: Art, Music, & Drama/Theatre

How Are Students Identified as Gifted?

  • Students are whole-group tested in 2nd and 4th grade using the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test). This test is a standardized assessment that measures students' learning strengths and potential. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and nonverbal reasoning. This test identifies students who have superior cognitive ability.

  • Students are tested for specific academic ability using the NWEA MAP Assessment three times per year, beginning in second grade. This assessment measures students' academic progress and growth over time. Students who score in the 95th percentile or higher are identified as having a specific academic ability within that area.

  • A student may be referred for gifted testing outside the designated times when the tests described above are facilitated. When that occurs, the district follows proper protocol to arrange gifted testing services in a timely manner. Depending on the age of the student or the specific situation, a different gifted identification test may be used.

  • Students are tested for creative thinking and visual/performing arts on a referral basis.

Written Education Plans

When students identified as gifted are reported to parents and the Ohio Department of Education as served, they will have a Written Education Plan (WEP) in compliance with the Operating Standards for Identifying and Serving Gifted Students. If the student is grade-advanced in any subject, they will also have a Written Acceleration Plan (WAP).

Contact

Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Dr. Kristen Foss, Assistant Superintendent

Email Kristen Foss at Kristen.foss@osnaburglocal.org

Resources