What are the criteria for identification?

McMinnville School District identifies students as Intellectually Gifted or Academically Talented. Those identified as Intellectually Gifted have demonstrated unusual capabilities in mental reasoning.

Academically Talented students have shown specific ability in reading and/or mathematics.

Identification is based on multiple criteria that call for a consistent pattern of excellence over time. One piece of evidence is an exceptional score on a nationally standardized test of academic achievement or mental ability, or the potential to score at this level.

Additional information must be gathered, and may include classroom test scores, work samples, grades, observations, and input from parents. No single test score, measure, or piece of evidence shall be the sole criterion for identification or prevent a student from being identified.

How might students be identified?

• Academically Talented in Reading and Mathematics (AT-RM): Academically talented students score at an exceptional level on a nationally standardized test of academic talent in reading and mathematics and have supporting evidence of strong academic talent.
• Academically Talented in Reading (AT-R): Academically talented in reading students score at an exceptional level  on a nationally standardized test of academic talent in reading and have supporting evidence of strong academic talent in reading and language arts.
• Academically Talented in Mathematics (AT-M): Academically talented in mathematics students score at an exceptional level  on a nationally standardized test of academic talent in mathematics and have supporting evidence of strong academic talent in mathematics.
• Intellectually Gifted (IG): Intellectually gifted students score at an exceptional level on a nationally standardized test of mental ability and have supporting evidence of giftedness.
• Potential to Perform (PTP): Potential to Perform students demonstrate very strong evidence of giftedness, but do not have the test scores to verify their ability.

What is the identification process?

Initial Screening/Referral
Classroom teachers, other staff members, or parents may refer a student for TAG evaluation. Students may also make self-referrals. All students in grades three through ten are screened through state assessment scores. Students in grades K-2 are referred less often and are screened using classroom assessment data.

Data Review
When a student has been referred, all applicable data will be reviewed. In addition to standardized test scores, this data must include at least one teacher Scale for Identifying Gifted Students form and may include other pieces of supporting evidence. Based on data the student may, (1) meet the criteria for identification; (2) potentially meet the criteria, but more information is needed; or (3) does not meet the criteria.

Testing
When additional information is needed, testing may be requested. Parent permission is required for testing. Test results are reviewed and shared with parents.

Communication of the Decision
Parents will be notified in writing of the identification decision. Parents have the right to appeal the decision if they disagree and should contact the District TAG Coordinator.