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Referral, Assessment, and Eligibility

Referral

 
The referral process is the first step for entrance into the gifted program. A referral may come from teachers, parents, students, or as the result of system wide testing. Referrals are reviewed by each school’s eligibility committee which determines who will be evaluated for gifted placement. A referral for gifted evaluation is not a guarantee of eligibility testing. The eligibility team will examine a number of artifacts and evidence and will make a decision based on those items.
 

Assessment

 
Students are evaluated in four areas: mental ability, achievement, creativity, and motivation. Assessment instruments include nationally normed tests, rating scales, and other approved measures. All assessments comply with state rules and regulations. Individual assessment measures require parental consent.
 

Determination of Eligibility

 
Determination of gifted eligibility is conducted in accordance with the Georgia Department of Education rule 160-4-2-.38. The chart below details the two paths available for gifted eligibility.
 
  • In option A and B, information shall be gathered in each of the four categories.
  • At least one of the criteria must be met by a score on a GaDOE approved nationally normed reference test.
  • Any data used to establish eligibility in one category shall not be used to establish eligibility in another category.
  • If a rating scale is used to evaluate creativity, a rating scale shall not be used to evaluate motivation. If a rating scale is used to evaluate motivation, a rating scale shall not be used to evaluate creativity.
  • Any piece of information used to establish eligibility shall be current within two years.
  • Local school systems must establish policies in regards to the use of data gathered and analyzed by private entities.
 
 
 Category Option A Option B
  Student must have a qualifying score in the mental ability AND achievement categories. Student must qualify in three of the four categories.
Mental Ability
Grades K-2 99th% percentile composite score on a nationally normed mental ability test
 
Grades 3-12 ≥96th percentile composite score on a nationally normed mental ability test
 Grades K- 12 ≥ 96th percentile composite OR appropriate component score on a nationally normed mental ability tests
Achievement Grades K-12 ≥ 90th percentile Total Reading, Total Math, or Complete Battery on a nationally normed achievement test
Grades K-12 ≥ 90th percentile Total Reading, Total Math, or Complete Battery on a nationally normed achievement test
 
Grades K – 12 Superior product/performance with a score ≥ 90 on a scale of 1-100, as evaluated by a panel of three or more qualified evaluators
Creativity Evaluation data required Grades K-12 ≥ 90th percentile on composite score on a
nationally normed creativity test
 
Grades K-12 Rating scales used to qualify student creativity must equate to the 90th percentile
 
Grades K-12 Superior product/performance with a score ≥ 90 on a scale of 1-100, as evaluated by a panel of three or more qualified evaluators
Motivation Evaluation data required
Grades 6-12 Two-year average of a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale in regular core subject of mathematics, English/language arts, social studies, science, and full year world languages
 
Grades K-12 Rating scales used to qualify student motivation must equate to the 90th percentile
 
Grades K – 12 Superior product/performance with a score ≥ 90 on a scale of 1-100, as evaluated by a panel of three or more qualified evaluators
Transfer Students:
  • In State Transfers: Any student who meets the eligibility criteria for gifted education services is considered eligible to receive gifted education services in Oconee County upon verification of records.
  • Out of State Transfers: There is no mandated reciprocity between states for gifted eligibility. Students who transfer from other states’ gifted programs must meet Georgia eligibility requirements before services can be provided. Previous assessment data will be considered if the test results are less than two years old.
  • Military Dependent Transfers: When a student transfers in who is a dependent of active duty military personnel, and identify themselves as gifted, the student will receive services and will begin the eligibility process for Oconee County Schools.