Gifted Programming
The Northwest Local School District is dedicated to nurturing the social, emotional, and academic growth of gifted students by providing equitable access to personalized, challenging, and innovative learning experiences. Through differentiated curriculum, high-level thinking opportunities, and creative exploration, we empower gifted learners to realize their potential, develop resilience, and become adaptable, collaborative problem-solvers prepared to contribute to a future yet to be imagined.
District Plan
Ohio law mandates that school districts develop a plan to identify students who meet the state requirement for gifted identification in grades K through 12. Once identified as gifted, the student is included on a district report to the state of Ohio and the family is notified of the gifted identification. Also, once a student is identified, they remain identified as gifted throughout their education.
Gifted Identification and Testing
Gifted students, as defined in the Ohio Revised Code (3324.01), are those who perform or show potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment. These students possess superior cognitive abilities, superior academic abilities, and/or superior ability in the visual and performing arts. Northwest Local School District screens all students for gifted identification in reading and math in grades 2-8 , three times per year, using NWEA MAP (Measures of Academic Progress). There is therefore no need to request testing in reading or math for students in grades 2-8.
Area of Identification | Explanation of Assessment | Qualifying Score |
|---|---|---|
Superior Cognitive | Whole grade gifted screening for cognitive ability is assessed using the CogAT. This assessment is administered in the 2nd grade and in the 5th grade, or by request. | A 128 is the required score on the CogAT for gifted identification. |
Math | Whole grade gifted screening for mathematical ability is assessed using NWEA MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Students are provided this assessment three times per year in grades 2-8. Students outside this grade band can be screened by request. | A 95th percentile or higher on MAP is the required score for gifted identification. |
Reading/Writing | Whole grade gifted screening for mathematical ability is assessed using NWEA MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Students are provided this assessment three times per year in grades 2-8. Students outside this grade band can be screened by request. | A 95th percentile or higher on MAP is the required score for gifted identification. |
Creativity | Students are assessed using Ohio Department of Education’s approved assessments in the 2nd and 5th grades. | A 111 or higher is required on the GATES assessment. |
Gifted Referral for Testing
Referrals for gifted testing are accepted throughout the school year. The Northwest Local School District has defined windows for gifted testing in the fall and spring each school year. Requests for initial (first time) gifted testing are completed within 90 days of referral. All testing requests received in May will be honored in the following school year. If you would like to make a referral for gifted testing outside of our universal screening windows, please complete and submit this form electronically.
Gifted Service
In accordance with state law, the criteria for participation in Northwest Local Schools Gifted Services are established by the district. Some gifted students’ needs are addressed in the regular classroom, and some gifted students may qualify for participation in additional programs. Class options vary from year to year and are dependent upon the number of students identified, the areas of identification, and staffing. Service offerings will be consistent and equitable within the district, and students who meet the service criteria will have equal access to services.
Whole grade assessments are administered to all students at 2nd and 5th grade. Small group testing opportunities (called Second Opportunity Testing for superior cognitive ID only) are offered two times throughout the year by request. Testing is provided during the school day. These opportunities are for students who already have a non-qualifying score on file in a given area.
Gifted Service- Grade 2
Reading, Math, Creativity and Superior Cognitive Identification- Students participate in a critical Thinking program, taught by Gifted Intervention Specialists. Throughout the year, students will participate in creative and fun lessons and activities centered around the following thinking skills:
Logical
Inventive and Creative
Scientific
Visual/Spatial
Evaluative
Gifted Service- Grades 3-5
Reading and/or Superior Cognitive Identification- Formal gifted services are offered in the form of Elementary ACCESS (Academic Center of Creative Enrichment for Student Success) class, led by a Gifted Intervention Specialist during the school day. ACCESS class offers students the opportunity to enrich their reading and writing abilities through: novel studies, projects and lessons developed with gifted students in mind. In addition, students have the unique opportunity to collaborate with like-minded peers.
Mathematics- Gifted services in math are provided in the regular classroom through a cluster grouping model, provided to students who are identified as gifted in math and/or superior cognitive ability. In addition to the cluster grouping model, a Gifted Intervention Specialist works with the classroom teacher to provide enriching resources and activities to identified students during regular math classroom time.
Gifted Service- Grade 6-8
Reading and/or Superior Cognitive- Gifted services in reading are provided through the Advanced Language Arts courses. The writing process is an integral part of the Advanced Language Arts curriculum. The students will begin an in-depth study of a variety of prose. By integrating reading, writing and research skills, the students improve their analytical reading and writing abilities. Students also compose various pieces of writing.
Math- Gifted services in math are provided through the Advanced Math courses to students who are identified as gifted in math and/or cognitive ability in grades 6, 7, and 8. Advanced Math courses (grades 6 and 7) and high school algebra (grade 8) allow students to have exposure to an accelerated math curriculum with like-ability peers as well as on-going daily enrichment in math.
Gifted Service- Grades 9-12
Reading, Math, Creativity and Superior Cognitive Identification- Gifted identified students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to choose from a variety of courses including: CCP, Advanced Placement and Honors Courses.
Acceleration
Acceleration- Students may be accelerated based on a parent or teacher referral in any subject area. More information can be found at: NWLSD Academic Acceleration Policy
Middle School Honors Algebra I- Students who take high school algebra in middle school are automatically eligible for a Written Acceleration Plan.
Gifted Identification Not Required- Students do not have to be identified as gifted to be eligible for a Written Acceleration Plan. Students who are identified as gifted may be eligible for both a Written Education Plan and a Written Acceleration Plan.
Acceleration Referral Form- If you are interested in making a referral, please click here.
Early Entrance- please click here
Unlocking Student Potential: Talent Development Program
What is the Talent Development Program?
The Talent Development Program is an initiative aimed at identifying and supporting students with exceptional potential. Starting in 2nd grade, students can be invited to qualify for this program, which provides specialized services to enhance their critical and creative thinking skills. By fostering intellectual growth early, the program helps children apply their abilities across all subjects, equipping them for a bright academic future.
How Can My Child Qualify?
To be considered for the Talent Development Program, students must meet specific criteria:
Achieve at least the 85th percentile or above on the MAP assessment in reading or math
Work samples that demonstrate higher-order thinking and creativity
Demonstrate aptitude through rating scales evaluated by educators
This comprehensive evaluation ensures that the program identifies students who are not only high achievers but also demonstrate a readiness for advanced learning opportunities.
What Happens Once My Child Qualifies?
Parents are notified via mail if their child qualifies for the program. Once enrolled, students will work daily with a licensed Gifted Intervention Specialist during their enrichment time. These sessions are more than just additional lessons – they’re an opportunity for students to explore six key thinking skills:
Logical Thinking: Enhancing problem-solving through structured reasoning.
Flexible Thinking: Encouraging adaptability and new perspectives.
Analytical Thinking: Breaking down complex concepts into understandable parts.
Visual/Spatial Thinking: Using visual reasoning to approach challenges creatively.
Critical Thinking: Developing the ability to evaluate information and arguments rigorously.
Creative Thinking: Inspiring innovation and original thought.
Through hands-on activities and in-depth applications, students are guided to explore these skills in a supportive environment tailored to their needs and potential.
Connect with Us!
Brenda Miller, Director of Curriculum
Melinda Greenwood, Gifted Coordinator
Michele Kluener, Gifted Office Professional