Referral and Identification Process

Each year, the total population of our school is screened by school staff to create a pool of eligible, highly able candidates based on students’ participation and performance in various academic and arts activities.Screening is formal: We review all test scores following standardized testing and scholastic academic performance.Screening is also informal: We note students’ competitions, awards, honors, and participation in school events.

Referrals for Gifted Services

Students may be referred for services by their classroom teacher, school personnel, parents/guardians, community leaders, and self or other students until April 1 for the current school year. A referral form must be completed and submitted to Resource Teacher for the Gifted (Therese Franco Waltrich).  Complete an online referral form or submit a referral form via email or hardcopy in person. (Referral Form also available in Spanish, Bengali, Amharic, Mongolian, and Arabic.)Please note: any student who is in the automatic screening pool due to ability test scores, like the NNAT or CogAT, does not need a referral form. Students may be referred once during the academic school year. Typically this happens in the winter/spring unless a student is new to APS. During this once a year referral process, a holistic case study approach is used to examine data from multiple areas of strength to determine eligibility in the following areas:

Areas of Gifted Services Identification

• Specific Academic Aptitude:
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies
• Visual or Performing Arts:
  • Visual Arts
  • Music

Eligibility Criteria

• Gifted Services in Specific Academic Areas
• Standardized Testing Information (NNAT in 1st grade; CogAT in 2nd grade; SOLs)
• Teacher Checklist on Observations of Academic Behaviors
• Grades/Academic Performance
• Student Products
• Parent Information

Definition of a Gifted Student from the Virginia Plan:

• “These students possess talents and abilities that differ from those of their peers to such a degree that differentiated educational programs should be provided to nurture their growth and development.”
• “The identification of these students is based on the premise that they need and can benefit from specifically planned educational services different from those provided by the general educational experience.”

An Appeals Process is available to families following the eligibility process. Appeal begins at the school level with the principal. Second level of appeals is a county-wide Gifted Services Administrative Appeals Committee.