GIFTED IDENTIFICATION IN NCCS

In accordance with House Bill 282, gifted and talented identification procedures are in place in the North Canton City Schools for kindergarten through grade 12.  Students can be identified as gifted in one or more of the following categories using State of Ohio criteria:

• superior cognitive

• specific academic (reading, math, science, and/or social studies)

• creative thinking

• visual/performing arts (art, instrumental and vocal music, dance, and drama).

The Ohio Department of Education has provided districts a list of assessments that must be used for gifted identification.   Proficiency and state test scores may not be used to identify students.

Students may be referred for assessment to determine gifted identification. Individual referrals may be made at any time by teacher, parent, or self-request. Individual tests are given twice a year, in Spring and Fall.   Contact denise.cooley@northcantonschools.org to make a referral for gifted identification.

To qualify for identification in superior cognitive, students need to achieve a student ability index (SAI) that is two standard deviations above the mean (minus the standard of error).  For the Cognitive Abilities Test, qualifying SAI scores include 127 (grades kindergarten, 3, and 7-12) and 128 (grades 1, 2, and 4-6).

Students qualify for a specific academic area when they achieve a score 95th percentile on an approved achievement test, such as MAP or Stanford Assessments. 

Creative thinking gifted identification requires an SAI of a 111 (grades kindergarten and 1) and 112 (grades 2-12).  In addition, students must meet a qualifying checklist score to meet identification qualifications.  

Visual and performing arts referrals can be made by the district's arts teachers, but can also be made by parents or students as well. These assessments take place on a Saturday at an out-of-district location in the month of November.  To qualify as gifted in one of the visual and performing arts, students must meet a qualifying checklist score and provide an audition or display of work for assessment.  The criteria for identification in art, dance, drama, and music vary by discipline.