Please see the PWCS Gifted Education and Talent Development Identification Process page explaining the Identification Process in more complete ways than can be covered below.
What does it mean to be gifted?
Gifted students are those who "demonstrate high levels of accomplishment or who show the potential for higher levels of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment." They are learners who easily process new information, have exceptional memories, are exceptionally creative, and/or have a natural ability for analysis and synthesis. Based on evidence collected during the Identification process, these students may need resources beyond the general classroom for their intellectual needs to be met.
How do I know if my child is gifted?
Prince William County has a process in place for the identification of students who require the services of the program. Students must be evaluated for Gifted Services and be found eligible in order to participate in seminars. If a student does not qualify for the program, it means his academic needs do not indicate that special services are required at the time of evaluation.
I think my child is gifted. How do I recommend him for the program?
Parents, teachers, administrators, peers, students, counselors, or the gifted education resource teacher may all make recommendations for the gifted program. A referral form is available on the website linked above. The student's parent or guardian must give permission in order to be screened for the program and the identification process to actually begin. The gifted resource teacher gathers information from multiple sources, administers necessary tests, and assembles the committee of professionals which determines if the student requires services.
I am having problems completing the parent or student report. What do I do?
Contact Mr. Bredbenner with any questions. This is your chance to highlight your child's achievements; specific examples of your child's actions help the committee understand your child and his capabilities.
What is included in the identification process?
The committee which evaluates student files for potential gifted services meets multiple times as needed through teh school year. It includes gifted resource teachers, core classroom teachers, school counselors and administrators. Information in the following areas is considered…
· Aptitude test scores
-Naglieri Nonverbal Test of Abilities (administered to all ninth graders in the Fall)
-Cognitive Abilities Test
-Other available test scores as needed
· Grades and grade level or criterion-referenced state tests
-Grades in math, science, English or foreign language, and social studies
-SOL test scores
· Normed achievement tests or student reports and portfolios
-PSAT (the National Representative Sample Percentiles for each area)
-Student Report (completed in school with gifted resource teacher)
-Student work samples (provided by student and teachers)
· Teacher and/or parent reports
-Teacher Report from core subject teachers
-Parent report completed by parent or guardian
The committee compiles and evaluates this information and the decision is varified by the PWCS Office of Gifted Education and Talent Development. The parent or guardian is then notified by letter of the committee's decision. Decisions may be appealed; contact Mr. Bredbenner for more information on the appeals process.
Students who are found eligible for gifted resource services will be invited to their grade's Canvas page and may begin attending seminars as soon as they have returned their Program Permission form.