Gifted Identification

Cognitive Ability Testing

Preble Shawnee provides full-grade cognitive ability testing to students in grades 2 and 6 using the Cognitive Abilities Test, commonly known as the CogAT.

Students who earn a qualifying cognitive ability score of 128 or higher are identified as cognitively gifted. These students are also identified as gifted in reading and mathematics.

Families are notified by letter when a student receives a gifted identification.

Reading and Mathematics Identification

Students beginning in grade 2 have opportunities to qualify for gifted identification during the district’s MAP Growth testing windows.

Students who score at or above the 95th percentile in reading or mathematics may be identified as gifted in that subject area.

Science Identification

Students in grade 5 are also provided an opportunity to demonstrate gifted ability in scientific thinking.

Families are notified the first time their child is identified as gifted in reading, mathematics, or science.

Once a student is identified as gifted in Ohio, the identification remains part of the student’s educational record.

Referral and Additional Testing

Parents, teachers, and students may request an additional opportunity for cognitive ability testing during the district’s late-winter testing period. This testing may occur no more than once within a 24-month period and uses a different assessment tool.

Additional testing opportunities may also be offered to:

• Students who are new to the district
• Students who performed at a highly advanced level on the CogAT but did not reach the qualifying score

Families who would like to request additional testing should contact their child’s school or the district curriculum office.

Grades K–2

Teachers in the primary grades use a variety of instructional strategies and classroom resources to enrich and challenge students who demonstrate advanced skills or interests.

Students begin participating in gifted identification opportunities in grade 2. Full-grade cognitive ability testing is provided in grade 2 using the Cognitive Abilities Test, commonly known as the CogAT.

Beginning in grade 2, students may also qualify for gifted identification in reading or mathematics through district MAP Growth assessments.

Grades 3–6

Students in grades 3–6 may be identified as gifted in reading, mathematics, superior cognitive ability, and, when applicable, science.

Teachers use student assessment data to provide differentiated learning experiences within the general education classroom. These may include:

• More complex texts and assignments
• Extended learning activities
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking tasks
• Flexible instructional groups
• Independent or collaborative projects
• Opportunities to explore topics in greater depth

Preble Shawnee does not currently provide formal gifted services for students in grades 2–6. 

Grades 7–12

Students in the secondary grades have access to a variety of advanced academic opportunities based on their interests, readiness, and educational goals.

These opportunities may include:

• Advanced coursework
• Honors classes
• Advanced Placement courses
• College Credit Plus
• Career and technical education programs
• Independent study or credit flexibility
• Subject or grade-level acceleration
• Early graduation options

School counselors, teachers, and families work together to help students select courses and programs that provide an appropriate level of challenge and support their future plans.

Acceleration and Advancement 

Acceleration and advancement allow students to move through academic content at a pace that better matches their readiness and ability. Options may include subject acceleration, whole-grade acceleration, advanced coursework, credit flexibility, College Credit Plus, or early graduation. Decisions are based on student performance, assessment data, social and emotional readiness, and collaboration among families, teachers, counselors, and administrators.

Preble Shawnee offers:

• Early Entrance to Kindergarten or First Grade 
• Subject Acceleration (advancement in a specific content area)
• Whole-Grade Acceleration (placement in a higher grade level)