Child Find
Norwin School District utilizes a two level screening process to determine whether a formal gifted evaluation is recommended. However, a parent may request a gifted evaluation at any time (limited to one request every 365 days).
All first and sixth grade students are administered the Cognitive Abilities Test. The Cognitive Abilities Test measures student’s learned reasoning abilities in the three areas most linked to academic success in school: Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal. It is a group administered ability test, not an individualized IQ test. Test results will be reviewed by the school counselor and recommendations will be made for students to proceed to the gifted screening.*
*If a student is referred as a potential gifted candidate outside of the district-wide screening process (by school staff or a parent), they would begin with the gifted screening.
Gifted Screening
During the Gifted Screening process, students will be administered a brief measure of intelligence and academic achievement. Additional data collected will include teacher rating scales and consideration of current classroom grades and performance. Using this data, a decision will be made as to whether a formal gifted evaluation is recommended. Regardless of the recommendation, parents may choose to proceed with a formal gifted evaluation at any time, with a limit of one request every 365 days.
Evaluation
If a formal gifted evaluation is recommended, or requested by a parent, signed parental consent is required prior to beginning the evaluation. The formal evaluation consists of a full-length intelligence assessment and the collection of additional parent and teacher input including rates of acquisition and retention.
Eligibility*
The Pennsylvania Chapter 16 guidelines indicate that students with gifted ability are defined as “a student who has an IQ of 130 or higher or when multiple criteria as set forth in this chapter and in Department Guidelines indicate gifted ability.” The Norwin School District uses information gathered throughout the screening and evaluation process to determine whether a student meets criteria and is in need of gifted services. The Norwin School District utilizes tests and evaluation materials that are free from racial and cultural bias and bias based on disability.
*In the event that a student is found ineligible, parents at their own expense, may obtain an independent evaluation. The school district is required to consider the information when making a decision regarding student identification. A list of approved psychologists can be provided at parent request.
All first and sixth grade students are administered the Cognitive Abilities Test. The Cognitive Abilities Test measures student’s learned reasoning abilities in the three areas most linked to academic success in school: Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal. It is a group administered ability test, not an individualized IQ test. Test results will be reviewed by the school counselor and recommendations will be made for students to proceed to the gifted screening.*
*If a student is referred as a potential gifted candidate outside of the district-wide screening process (by school staff or a parent), they would begin with the gifted screening.
Gifted Screening
During the Gifted Screening process, students will be administered a brief measure of intelligence and academic achievement. Additional data collected will include teacher rating scales and consideration of current classroom grades and performance. Using this data, a decision will be made as to whether a formal gifted evaluation is recommended. Regardless of the recommendation, parents may choose to proceed with a formal gifted evaluation at any time, with a limit of one request every 365 days.
Evaluation
If a formal gifted evaluation is recommended, or requested by a parent, signed parental consent is required prior to beginning the evaluation. The formal evaluation consists of a full-length intelligence assessment and the collection of additional parent and teacher input including rates of acquisition and retention.
Eligibility*
The Pennsylvania Chapter 16 guidelines indicate that students with gifted ability are defined as “a student who has an IQ of 130 or higher or when multiple criteria as set forth in this chapter and in Department Guidelines indicate gifted ability.” The Norwin School District uses information gathered throughout the screening and evaluation process to determine whether a student meets criteria and is in need of gifted services. The Norwin School District utilizes tests and evaluation materials that are free from racial and cultural bias and bias based on disability.
*In the event that a student is found ineligible, parents at their own expense, may obtain an independent evaluation. The school district is required to consider the information when making a decision regarding student identification. A list of approved psychologists can be provided at parent request.
See also Annual Child Find Notice