Which areas of giftedness will IPS Address? The state of Indiana identifies six domains or areas of giftedness. We have chosen to identify and provide services for two of the domains: general intellectual and specific academic. We can successfully address these two areas in all IPS elementary schools.

Which grades will be included in the elementary gifted programs? The Gifted and Talented Program at the elementary level will be for students in grades 3 through 5.

What are the criteria for identification? Students qualify on the basis of test scores. They can qualify in one of the following ways: 1) by scoring 90% or better on total battery or 2) By scoring 90% or better on two of the following three sub scores: reading comprehension, math problem solving, and science.

When will we identify students? During the spring of the school year, (after test results have been received) we will review the 2nd grade students' test scores and identify those students who meet the criteria. Additional students can be recommended and these students must score 90% on the Ravens Coloured Progressive Matrices test. Schools will be sent a list of the identified students to place them in the 3rd grade cluster.

What about students who are already in the programs? Students who have already been identified for the gifted program at the elementary level will remain in the program. Any additional students who are recommended for the program must meet the current criteria.

Once students are identified, then what? Students are to be placed in a cluster group for their grade level and they will receive differentiated instruction within the regular classroom. In a differentiated heterogeneous classroom approach, teachers assess student needs and design the delivery of content using a variety of instructional strategies that focus on essential concepts and skills. Inherent in this practice is the opportunity for all students to receive quality instruction while in a heterogeneous group.

Is there a "best" way to form a cluster group? Yes. There are several ways to form clusters. The main idea is that the class size is the same as other classes, and the cluster teacher should not also have the lowest group of students, resulting in two groups of special needs students.

Which teacher is best suited to have the cluster group? Gifted students should have a teacher who is trained to deal with their special needs. Therefore, those best suited for the cluster group would be those teachers who have an endorsement in Gifted Education. In the event that these teachers are not available to a school, a teacher who has a strong desire to teach the cluster group, and who will commit to attending the professional development for teachers of the gifted is preferred.

What is the implementation timeline for the elementary program? Students were identified for the cluster group during the spring of 2002. Third grade cluster groups were formed and the program was implemented fall of 2002. Each school year, identification will take place in the spring for 2nd grade students who will enter third grade the following fall. It will take three years to phase in the program at the rate of one grade per year until grades 3-5 are included.

Who are responsible for the logistics of the identification process?
Phase One: Review of tests scores of all 2nd grade students
District Gifted and Talented Office staff
Phase Two: Administering the Ravens to additional students who are referred
School GT Coordinator