Ohio Revised Code 3324.01 defines a student who is gifted as one who “performs or shows potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment.”
Ohio’s Operating Standards for Identifying and Serving Students Who are Gifted requires school districts to conduct whole-grade screenings at least once in the K-2 grade band and at least once in the 3-6 grade band. Norton City Schools conducts the required whole-grade screenings in grades 2 and 4, screening specifically for superior cognitive ability, specific academic ability in reading and math, and creative thinking ability, as outlined by the operating standards.
Superior Cognitive Ability: A student is identified as gifted in the area of superior cognitive ability when the student scores two standard deviations above the mean, minus the standard error of measurement, on an approved intelligence test, or performs at or above the ninety-fifth percentile on an approved composite battery of a nationally normed achievement test, or attains an approved score on an approved nationally-normed above grade level achievement test.
Superior Cognitive Ability means the ability to think and reason (use logic). It is often characterized by the ability to readily see patterns, relationships, and identify nuances.
Specific Academic Ability: A student is identified as gifted in the area of specific academic ability when a student performs at or above the ninety-fifth percentile in a specific academic ability field on an approved nationally-normed achievement test.
Specific Academic Ability refers to exceptional skill or strength in an academic subject, such as math or reading.
Creative Thinking Ability: A student is identified as gifted in the area of creative thinking ability when a student scores one standard deviation above the mean, minus the standard error of measure, on an approved intelligence test and also attains a qualifying score on an approved checklist of creative behavior or creativity test.
Creative Thinking Ability means the ability to see things differently, seeing patterns or relationships not typically seen by others. It can also include the ability to think fluently or flexibly, moving from idea to idea easily.
Visual and Performing Arts Ability: A student is identified as gifted in the area of visual and performing arts ability when a student demonstrates superior ability in a visual or performing arts area through a display of work, an audition, or other performance or exhibition and a qualifying score on an approved checklist of behaviors related to a specific arts area.