North Canton City Schools

GIFTED IDENTIFICATION IN NCCS

In accordance with Ohio Administrative Code 3301-15-15, gifted and talented identification procedures are in place in 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 (visual art, instrumental and vocal music, dance, and drama).

The Ohio Department of Education & Workforce 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 the NCCS Gifted Coordinator, David Eby, at david.eby@northcantonschools.org or 330-497-5600, extension 1131, 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 (CogAT), qualifying SAI scores are listed below.

• Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Form 7
  • Identification in Kindergarten and Grade 1: 127; Screen: 126
  • Identification in Grades 2 & 4-12: 128; Screen: 127
  • Identification in Grade 3: 129; Screen: 128
• Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Form 8
  • Identification in Kindergarten and Grade 1: 127; Screen: 126
  • Identification in Grades 2 through 11: 128; Screen: 127
  • Identification in Grade 12: 129; Screen: 128

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

Creative thinking gifted identification requires an SAI score on the CogAT as listed below.  In addition, students must meet a qualifying checklist score to meet identification qualifications.  

• Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Form 7
  • Identification in Kindergarten and Grade 1: 111; Screen: 109
  • Identification in Grades 2 & 4 through 12: 112; Screen 110
  • Identification in Grade 3: 113; Screen: 111
• Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Form 8
  • Identification in Kindergarten and Grade 1: 111; Screen: 109
  • Identification in Grade 2 through 11: 112; Screen: 110
  • Identification in Grade 12: 113; Screen: 111

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 the district PD day annually in February.  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.