The Georgia Department of Education describes a gifted student as “one who demonstrates a high degree of intellectual and/or creative ability(ies), exhibits an exceptionally high degree of motivation, and/or excels in specific academic fields, and who needs special instruction and/or special ancillary services to achieve at levels commensurate with his or her abilities. The abilities manifest in a collection of traits, aptitudes, and behaviors that, when taken together, are indicative of gifted potential.” (2023-2024 Georgia DOE Resource Manual for Gifted Education Services, p. 28, May 2023)

Additionally, the Georgia Department of Education specifies that, “Gifted instruction shall focus on developing cognitive, learning, research and reference, and metacognitive skills at each grade grouping…”. (2023-2024 Georgia DOE Resource Manual for Gifted Education Services, p. 39, May 2023). 

The procedures for determining eligibility for gifted services are governed by the Georgia Department of Education as indicated by the SBOE Rule 160-4-2.38. 

 

REFERRALS

Students in 1st through 8th grades are screened for possible gifted assessment each academic year. 

Automatic Referral: Screening for testing referral includes examination of a student’s achievement data from the Fall, Winter, and Spring Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests (within two years). The Museum School offers additional grade-wide screening to all first-grade students utilizing data from the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test. 

Reported Referral: Students may also be referred for assessment by teachers, caregivers, or others with knowledge of a student’s abilities. Museum School teachers provide feedback using the Classroom Talent Survey. Caregivers may submit the Request for Gifted Assessment form that is shared with the school community prior to each cycle of gifted assessment. 

Caregivers must complete a Consent for Evaluation form before students participate in assessment.

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Per the Georgia Department of Education, students are evaluated in four areas to determine eligibility. Tests are administered by trained educators and are scored according to national age norms.

Student assessment results are reviewed by an eligibility team. At the completion of testing, parents are notified of their child’s results and invited to schedule an eligibility conference to discuss these results.


RECIPROCITY

Any student who is eligible for gifted services in a Georgia public school system is eligible for gifted services at The Museum School of Avondale Estates upon receipt of a gifted eligibility report confirming gifted qualification.

 

CONTINUATION POLICY
After initial placement in the gifted program, a student may continue in the program if they meet two out of three of the following requirements:

  • The student must meet or exceed standards in academic areas on a standards-based report card.
  • The student must maintain a qualifying score in reading or math at or above 90th percentile on Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) each spring.
  • The student must demonstrate good standing in the gifted program.

 

PROBATIONARY PLAN

If a student does not meet the requirements for continuation, parents will be notified and the student will be placed on probation for one semester. During the initial probationary period, student goals will be identified. If the student meets the identified goals, there will be no further probation. If the student does not meet the goals, probation will continue for an additional semester without participation in the gifted program. After two consecutive semesters of probation without success, the student will be removed from gifted services. To reenter the program, the student must be re-evaluated through the gifted referral process. 

Caregivers will receive a continuation policy each academic year.