The Academically/Intellectually Gifted (AIG) program seeks to identify, serve and develop academically and/or intellectually gifted students in grades 3–5 to discover and grow their God-given talents and abilities. Recognizing how God has created our student(s) to problem solve, think critically and creatively, make decisions, and work collaboratively is a continued goal for our special programs at Grace.
Grace students can participate in the AIG Program if they fall in one of the following categories:
95th percentile or higher on an intellectual assessment, cognitive, or aptitude test (composite score)
90th percentile or higher on both an intellectual assessment, cognitive or aptitude test (composite score) AND reading and/or math achievement test
95th percentile or higher on both an intellectual assessment, cognitive, or aptitude test (composite score) AND 90th percentile or higher on reading and/or math achievement test.
Students can qualify in reading, math or both with additional services if qualified for intellect. Once a student has been deemed eligible, identification will be maintained in the record.
Students with scores in the 85th percentile or higher on reading and/or math achievement test and/or 90th percentile or higher on an intellectual assessment, ability, or aptitude test with two supporting approved documents of evidence may be eligible.
Oftentimes it is assumed that doing well in school is a sign of a gifted child, however not every gifted student earns good grades. Similarly, not every student who earns good grades is gifted.
| High Achiever | Gifted Child |
|---|---|
| Knows the answer | Asks the questions |
| Is interested | Is highly curious |
| Is attentive | Is physically and mentally involved |
| Has good ideas | Has silly, wild ideas |
| Works hard | Plays around, tests well |
| Answers the questions | Discusses in details, elaborates |
| Is in the “top” group | Beyond the group |
| Listens with interest | Shoes strong feelings and opinions |
| Learns with ease | Already knows |
| 6-8 repetitions for mastery | 1-2 repetitions for mastery |
| Understands ideasis | Constructs abstractions |
| Is pleased with own learning | Is highly self critical |
| Grasps the meaning | Draws inferences |
| Complete assignments | Initiates projects |
| Is receptive | Is intense |
| Copies accurately | Creates new designs |
| Enjoys school | Enjoys learning |
| Is a technician | Is an inventor |
| Absorbs information | Manipulates information |
| Good memorizer | Good guesser |
| Enjoys straightforward, sequential material | Thrives on complexity |
| Is alert | Is a keen observer |
From “The Gifted and Talented Child” by Janice Szabos
AIG services for qualified and contracted students will include a blended direct instruction and differentiated instructional plan.
Students will receive sessions weekly provided in a small group with direct instruction and rigor aimed to challenge complex thinking skills and creative problem solving. A focus on the development of communication, research, personal development, and interpersonal relationships will also occur.
Additionally, differentiated educational services will take place in the classroom either in a small group advanced strand of a planned lesson or through direct consultation and planning with the classroom teacher. This differentiation can happen by changing the content, process, or product or through acceleration, enrichment, and extension activities.
If a student is identified based on a specific academic area (reading, or math/ Academically gifted). The AIG teacher will select instructional activities that correspond to the qualified areas. These could include but are not limited to: long term projects, project based learning activities, or isolated short term instructional activities.
KBIT-2 (Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test, 2nd Edition) is used to measure verbal and non-verbal intelligence in individuals from ages 4 through 90 years. It’s commonly used as a guide for schools when quick assessment of intelligence is needed for gifted program placement. KBIT-2 results include: Verbal, Nonverbal and a composite IQ score reflecting a child’s performance as a whole. Overall (composite) IQ scores range from 40 -160.
CogAt (The Cognitive Abilities Test) is a nationally, norm-referenced standardized assessment that assesses students’ reasoning and problem solving skills. This assessment is given to the entire 3rd grade class. The KBIT-2 is used for students in grade 4 and 5, if they demonstrate achievement scores that would qualify them, or are referred by their classroom teacher.
NWEA MAP Growth is a nationally normed, standardized achievement test which measures what students know and informs what they’re ready to learn next by using a computer adaptive test that adjusts to the ability and knowledge of the student.
Contact our Learning Support & AIG Director regarding your student’s assessment.
