screening

the process of gathering data on a learner which may or may not include aptitude testing

testing

giving an aptitude/ability test

quantitative measures

data that has numeric values, such as MAP scores or other testing data

qualitative measures

subjective data such as teacher rating scales, portfolios of student work, structured interviews

TABs

A teacher rating scale and commonly used qualitative measure. TAB stands for Traits, Attributes, and Behaviors of the gifted and highlights a variety of ways gifted children demonstrate differences through their behaviors.

SIGS

another qualitative measure and teacher rating scale. SIGS stands for Scales for Identifying Gifted Students. It has a more academic slant and is often used at the secondary level, and even 5th grade

aptitude/ability test

a test such as CogAT, NNAT3, or the Naglieri that provides data on how a learner thinks and solves problems. NOT based on academic knowledge. NOTE: tests such as these are NOT IQ tests.At best, they produce a rough estimate of IQ. Actual IQ tests are longer, have more subtests, and must be administered individually by a trained specialist such as a diagnostician or psychologist.

achievement test

a test such as MAP or STAAR that provides data on how much content a learner has mastered.

extension

advanced classwork or small group instruction that is directly related to grade-level TEKS

equally weighted

This means that in CISD all data points are considered equally. There is not a single data point alone that drives identification.

"GT Test"

a taboo term that must never be spoken!!! Just as we don't call MAP a 'gt test' even though it is used as one of the data points, we do not refer to aptitude/ability tests as 'gt tests'. Doing so gives the impression that getting a high enough score on that one measure guarantees identification. Furthermore, the aptitude data can be very useful to the classroom teacher or even a 504/MTSS committee.

enrichment

advanced classwork or small group instruction that is NOT directly tied to grade-level TEKS

universal screening year

Grade levels at which every learner is fully screened for their need for GT services. In Coppell ISD, universal screening is conducted annually in kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades. All learners in 1st, 3rd, and 5th receive an aptitude test.

ongoing screening year

Elementary grade levels in which student data is reviewed to determine if any learners need full screening. In Coppell ISD, 2nd and 4th grades are ongoing screening years.

GIA

stands for General Intellectual Ability. This term is used to denote that while a learner has qualified for GT services, specific subject areas have not yet been identified. All learners must have subject areas identified by 5th grade in order for correct course registration for 6th grade to occur. Prior to 5th grade, may learners are classified as GIA.