Questions about gifted testing and services should be directed to Amanda Framstad, Curriculum Director and Gifted Program Coordinator, at gren_aframstad@tccsa.net or 330-669-3165 ext 3203.

GIFTED SERVICES

The gifted program at Green Local Schools exists to provide appropriately challenging instruction for students who have been identified as gifted according to district procedures. Currently our district offers gifted services for 1st- 8th graders in reading and math, as well as specific options in high school.

Elementary and middle school students gifted in superior cognitive or reading are provided with gifted reading services, and students gifted in superior cognitive or math are provided with gifted math services. Using cluster grouping, gifted students are grouped together for daily instruction within the regular language arts and math classes by teachers who have received training in working with gifted students. Grade-level standards are the primary focus, but students may move at a faster pace; encounter more depth, breadth, or complexity; or receive support to go beyond grade-level work when appropriate. In middle school math, gifted services are provided through the accelerated classes. Enrichment may be provided during WIN times as well. Participation in gifted clusters is automatic for gifted students unless a parent submits written notice declining these services.

While the focus of our gifted program services is at the elementary and middle school levels, additional options exist. Gifted services are offered to older students through Honors Geometry, Honors Algebra II, Honors English 9-10, College Credit Plus courses, and the International Baccalaureate program. High school students with gifted identifications are strongly encouraged to participate in these classes in their specific areas of giftedness. When high school students choose not to select Honors, College Credit Plus, or International Baccalaureate options in their subject(s) of gifted identification(s), they are considered to be declining gifted services. Also, students who consistently perform well above their assigned grade levels may be considered for subject or grade acceleration.

Students who are identified as gifted in visual arts receive services in grades 7-12. They take at least a semester of art each school year and receive individualized instruction from their art teachers to develop their skills beyond the regular art curriculum. These students are encouraged and supported in exploring a variety of techniques and media, as well as creating pieces to expand and diversify their portfolios.

Early entrance to kindergarten (with a recommended deadline of May 1) and early graduation are options for specific situations.

TESTING FOR GIFTED IDENTIFICATION

The Ohio Department of Education requires school districts to administer whole-grade testing for the purpose of gifted identification. 2nd grade through middle school students at Green Local participate in MAP testing throughout the school year to monitor students’ learning, and these results may also be used for gifted identifications in the specific academic areas of reading and math. In addition, all 2nd and 5th graders are assessed each year for superior cognitive and creative thinking giftedness.*

Each year the district provides additional testing opportunities for eligible individual students who have not yet been identified as gifted, but who have been referred to participate in gifted identification testing for superior cognitive. These tests take place during the school day, and referred students must have a parent's or guardian's consent on file to participate. Testing will occur throughout March (see below for specific dates).

Every spring the district provides an opportunity for eligible individual students who have been referred to participate in gifted identification testing for visual arts ability. This assessment is an evaluation of the portfolio of artwork and related artist statements submitted by each referred student, who must have a parent's or guardian's consent on file to participate.