Gifted Education - Identification Process

Step 1: Observation (K-12) 
The classroom teacher will note student questions, responses, examples of unusual thinking or exceptional creativity and consistently strong academic performance using the Kingore Observation Inventory for grades K-8 or MCPS Gifted Screening Checklist for grades 9-12.
 
Step 2: Referral
1. Teacher, other staff member, parent, peer, or self may submit a referral at any time of the year. The referring individual will fill out a Nomination Form and return it to the gifted resource teacher.
2. Once a referral is initiated, parents will be asked to complete Permission to Evaluate form, the Parent Information Form, and gather two portfolio items. Teachers will be asked to fill out Content Rating Scales and gather four portfolio items.
 
Step 3: Formal Assessment
1. Forms from parents and teachers will be collected and scored.
2. Classroom teachers will assist the student in compiling items for a portfolio.
3. Portfolio items from home will be collected.
4. The gifted resource teacher will administer planned experience lessons and conduct an interview with each student.
5. Grades and test scores will be collected (grades 3-12).
6. Standardized ability and/or achievement tests may be administered.
 
Step 4: Identification Placement Committee Meeting
1. School-based Gifted Identification Committee will meet and review collected criteria. Parents and teachers will be informed as to the date and time of the meeting. Parents are requested to RSVP if they plan to attend the committee meeting.
2. Parents, principals, and teachers will be informed of the decision.
3. Parents, principals, and teachers have the right to appeal the committee’s decision. This is to be done in written form and sent to the Supervisor of Gifted Programs within ten school days after receipt of the original committee decision.
 
Montgomery County Public Schools has a reciprocity practice applicable to transfer students identified as gifted or talented in their previous school district.  Contact the gifted resource teacher upon registration in a MCPS school.