Definition of a mentally gifted student in need of Gifted Support

(Above 2% of the population)

A mentally gifted student has outstanding intellectual and creative ability, the development of which requires special services and programs not ordinarily provided in the regular education program.

The mentally gifted student needs enrichment or acceleration, or both, and without it will not receive an appropriate education. High achievement, conformity to expectations, a "good work ethic" or intense interest in a particular subject or hobby alone will not suffice.

Eligibility Determination

In the Upper Darby School District, screening and evaluation procedures utilized to determine eligibility for the Academic Enrichment program include individual achievement test scores in reading and writing, student grades, cognitive testing using a standardized instrument and input from the referral source specifying areas of suspected mental giftedness.

Flexibility is employed to assure students with disabilities and/or multicultural backgrounds are afforded an opportunity to meet eligibility criteria.

At the grade 1 level, Benchmark data, Storytown assessments, and the results of the G-made test for math are examined. All first grade students are screened for the Academic Enrichment Program with the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT). Additional assessment with the Kaufmann Brief Intelligence Test (K-BIT2) establishes the need for cognitive testing to determine placement in the districts Academic Enrichment Program. Ate the grade 2 level and above, standardized test scores, achievement data, referral input and Benchmark test scores indicate the need for a Kaufman Brief Intelligence test. The results of that measure and the achievement information gathered will determine the need for cognitive assessments.

If a student is suspected of being gifted by school personnel a screening is completed prior to referral for a multidisciplinary evaluation. If a parent requests an evaluation, a screening process is conducted in where data is gathered, which includes, referral source input, grades and standardized achievement data and Benchmark data in order to determine the need for further assessment.