Gifted Identification Process

data

Where gifted programs are available, gifted students might be identified through the following information:

  • Otis-Lenin School Abilities Test (OLSAT--minimum score requirement is 120)
  • Stanford Achievement Test (grade 3)
  • Illinois Standards Achievement Test (grades 4-8)
  • Cumulative Grade Point Average for the preceding school year
  • Gifted Rating Scale completed by the child's teacher

test

Aptitude--OLSAT tests a student's aptitude and is administered at the end of grades 2, 4, and 6.  Aptitude is a person's capacity for learning something; the natural ability to acquire knowledge or skill; quickness in learning and understanding.  An aptitude test predicts what a student is capable of accomplishing or achieving in the future.  A student must score score a minimum of 120 on the OLSAT to be considered gifted.

Achievement--Achievement tests determine what a student has actually learned and retained as a result of schooling and other life experiences.  The achievement portion of identification also includes the student's cumulative grade point average (GPA) from the previous year. 

Behaviors--Gifted students often exhibit characteristics and behaviors that are not evident in the general population.  Teachers might complete a rating scale modeled after the "Scales for Rating the Behavioral Characteristics of Superior Students" developed by Joseph Renzulli.  Local norms have been developed to aide in placement of students on the selection matrix.