The Academically/Intellectually Gifted (AIG) program seeks to identify, serve and develop academically and/or intellectually gifted students in grades 3–6 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. Once a student has been deemed eligible, identification will be reviewed annually for recommendations on eligibility for the proceeding school year.
Teachers will be provided ongoing professional consult and guidance for AIG students throughout the school year. Upon the identification of students who may qualify for AIG services, the AIG department will contact parents to discuss proposed services for the remainder of the year. Upon the end of the school year, additional achievement testing outcomes for students in grades 3-6 will be identified and students will be invited for further assessments if needed.
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 may 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.
KBIT-2 (Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test, 2nd Edition) used to measure verbal and non-verbal intelligence in individuals from ages 4 through 90 years. KBIT-2 results include: Verbal, Nonverbal and a composite IQ score reflecting a child’s performance as a whole. CogAt (The Cognitive Abilities Test) is a nationally, norm-referenced standardized assessment that assesses students’ reasoning and problem-solving skills.
CogAt (The Cognitive Abilities Test) is a nationally, norm-referenced standardized assessment that assesses students’ reasoning and problem-solving skills.
NWEA MAP Growth is a nationally normed, standardized achievement test with student adaptability.
Wide Range Achievement Test, Fifth Edition (WRAT-5), a nationally norm-referenced test that measures and monitors fundamental word reading, spelling, and math skills.
Contact our Director of Academics regarding your student’s assessment.
