Gifted and Talented

State Board of Education Regulation 43-220, Gifted and Talented, amended and approved in June of 2004, mandates the qualifying criteria and screening procedures for placement in gifted and talented programs throughout the state. The State Department of Education has established state-wide procedures for referral and screening of students for the academically gifted and talented program. Districts are required to census test all students in grade two with nationally-normed aptitude and achievement measures to determine eligibility for gifted and talented services.

 

Florence District Five administers an aptitude and achievement test to all grade two students which is provided by the State Department of Education. The timeline for screening students to determine eligibility for gifted and talented services is:

 

* Fall 2024: District reviews state assessment scores for grades 4-8 to determine students who are eligible for screening (“Exceeds Expectations” on math or reading subtest of ELA meets Dimension B). Students screened in aptitude (Dimension A) and qualifying students placed in program. Non-qualifying screened students in grades 3 - 4 are eligible for Performance Task testing in March. Students in grades 6-12 may qualify with 3.75 GPA (Dimension C) and either Dimension A or B.

 

* Fall 2024: District administers nationally-normed aptitude and achievement test to all grade two students in November (CogAT and Iowa).

 

* January 2025: District reviews grade two test results to determine student eligibility for 2025-2026 programs: Automatic placement with 96th percentile on Dimension A total score only or Dimension A (93rd + percentile) and B (94th percentile on reading comprehension and/or mathematical concepts and problem solving).

 

* March 2025: District administers Performance Tasks to those students in grades 2- 5 meeting either Dimension A or B.

 

* May 2025: Performance Task results received from contractor. Students notified of results by the end of June for placement in 2025-2026 program.

 

Students may be referred at any time during the school year. For additional information, referrals or clarification concerning the gifted and talented program, please contact Chrissy Hodges at (843) 386-2358.

 

G/T Brochure

 

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