Identification Process

Students are formally identified for gifted services in grades three through seven. The guidance office is responsible for the testing and placement of students into the gifted program. The identification procedure begins in second grade with all students participating in a universal screening process.

Universal Screening

All students are screened in 2nd grade utilizing the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). Students who score in the 90th percentile and above will be further evaluated for the gifted program. Any student new to the district, who weren't screened in 2nd grade, will be screened at the beginning of their 4th grade year.

Evaluation

In compliance with guidelines from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, students must meet eligibility criteria in three of the following four areas in order to qualify for gifted services. At Rolla Public Schools, the General Mental Ability (IQ) is a required area.

Academic Achievement: Score at or above the 90th percentile on NWEA or MAP assessment in both reading and math.
Reasoning/Creativity: Students must score a quotient of 125 (95th percentile) or better on the Gifted Evaluation Scale (GES).
Documented Evidence: Teacher Input Form; Portfolios of student work; Formal observations by people knowledgeable of the characteristics of gifted students.
WISC-V: Full Scale IQ equal to or greater than 124 (95th percentile) or General Ability Index (GAI) equal to or greater than 124.

For more information on the evaluation process and timelines, please see the Gifted Education Handbook.