The term 'gifted' means students who perform or show potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience or environment and who are identified under division (A), (B), (C), or (D) of section 3324.03 of the Ohio Revised Code. 

The following criteria can be used to identify students for the gifted/talented program:

1. IQ score of 130 (± standard error of measure) or above (or equivalent high score on any standardized individual or group test of scholastic aptitude).

2. 95th percentile on standardized tests of achievement in reading and mathematics.

3. Nomination by teacher(s), parent(s), classmates, and/or the student himself/herself based on grades and/or checklists of personal characteristics.

The Ohio Department of Education Operating Standards for Identifying and Serving Students Who are Gifted (Ohio Administrative Code 3301-51- 15) requires districts to administer two whole-grade screenings. These whole grade screenings must occur once during the K-2 grade band and once during the 3-6 grade band in each of these areas: superior cognitive ability, creative thinking ability and specific academic ability in reading and mathematics.

• In grades K-12, districts must provide at least two opportunities per year for referred students to be tested.

• This requirement applies to all areas of identification.

• For an initial referral in any area of identification, testing must be completed within 90 calendar days of the referral.

• Assessments used must be listed on the approved assessment list from the Ohio Department of Education.

• This requirement cannot be met by reviewing previous test scores. 

• Whole-grade testing meets the requirement for one testing opportunity based on referrals. 

• This requirement applies regardless of the grade levels where gifted services are available, even if no services are available in grades K-12. (

  Ohio Administrative Code 3301-51-15 (C)(3)(b)(iii)(a))

The opportunity for parents to appeal any decision about the results of any screening procedure or assessment, the scheduling of students for assessment, or the placement of a student in any program or for receipt of services may be addressed at any time throughout the year. Parents wishing to appeal should submit a letter to the superintendent or his/her designee outlining the nature of the concern. The superintendent or his/her designee will convene a meeting with the parent/guardian, which may include other school personnel. The superintendent or designee will issue a written final decision within 30 days of the appeal. 

Students who are gifted need differentiated curriculum and instruction and support services to fully develop their cognitive, academic, creative and artistic abilities or to excel in specific content areas. This includes opportunities to exceed grade-level academic indicators and benchmarks. Districts can provide a continuum of services to meet the educational needs of these students. While in the State of Ohio identification is required, services are not. 

Acceleration should always be of consideration when determining most appropriate service options for individual students.  This includes both subject and grade acceleration. The acceleration policy is available by request. Students do not have to be identified as gifted to receive acceleration services.

The social/ emotional component of working with gifted students is critical and should not be overlooked. The Acceleration team must work together (with the classroom teacher) to ensure the social/ emotional needs are met for students undergoing the acceleration process.

The district follows the Ohio Department of Education’s only approved tool for acceleration, The Iowa Acceleration Scale, which requires ability, achievement, and aptitude testing as a pre-qualifier to holding a team meeting regarding acceleration.