Gifted Identification Process and Appeals

The identification process for our Gifted Program follows a 7-step process.

Step 1: Referral

Referrals may be made by anyone (parent/guardian, teacher, student, admin, etc.) through the referral form on our website here.

Once a referral form has been submitted, signed, and dated, only the Local Survey Committee (LSC) or parent/guardian can stop the identification process.

Step 2: Referral Review

The Local Survey Committee (LSC) reviews the referral form and makes one of the following recommendations:

• The student has satisfied minimal criteria and should move forward to the assessment stage;
• The student has not satisfied the minimal criteria. However, the LSC feels strongly that additional data should be collected, and the student reconsidered at that time; or
• The student has not satisfied minimal criteria, and the identification process should stop.

Step 3: Phase 1 Assessment

Phase 1 of Assessments

INSIGHTS (Intellectually Gifted)

MAGIC (Artistically Gifted)

Students being assessed for INSIGHTS must satisfy at least 3 of the following criteria: Score at or above the 90th percentile on a group cognitive ability test Score at or above the superior range on a “Characteristics of Giftedness” checklist Score at or above the superior range on a normed creativity measure Score at or above the 90th percentile on total language, math, reading, or the composite on a normed achievement test

Student being assessed for MAGIC must submit a portfolio of 3 items of artwork for review by the LSC. All types of media will be allowed. The student's portfolio will be evaluated using a Referral Rubric (MDE approved). The student must receive a score of 16 or higher on the portfolio. Individual accomplishment in the visual arts (such as recognition at the state level or above) can also be used for consideration.

NOTE: Special Considerations

Special Consideration is used for factors that may impact assessment. All students are given appropriate consideration.

Step 4: Parental Permission

District personnel wall obtain written permission to continue the assessment process. District personnel wall also notify parents in writing of their rights under FERPA.

Step 5: Phase 2 Assessment

Phase 2 of Assessments

INSIGHTS (Intellectually Gifted)	MAGIC (Artistically Gifted)
An individual intelligence test will be administered by a licensed examiner. Student must score at or above the 91st percentile composite/full scale score (or 91st percentile on approved subtests).	The student's portfolio will be evaluated using a Referral Rubric (MDE approved). The student must receive a score of 19 or higher on the portfolio.

Step 6: LSC Eligibility Determination

LSC reviews all data and rules the student as ELIGIBLE or NOT ELIGIBLE for the Gifted Program.

Step 7: Parental Permission for Placement

After eligibility is determined, written parental permission for placement is obtained before the student is placed in the program.

If a student is not accepted into the Gifted Program, parents or guardians may submit a written appeal requesting that their child be reconsidered for screening or testing.

Appeals should be emailed to Marilyn Barnes at mvbarnes@oxfordsd.org. Please copy (CC) the Gifted Assessment Coordinators on your email: Dr. Sarah Green at smgreen@oxfordsd.org and Mrs. Laurie Beth Ellis at lellis@oxfordsd.org.

The Local Survey Committee (LSC) will review the appeal, conduct any necessary hearings, and notify parents or guardians of its decision.

The written appeal must include the following:

1. A letter explaining why you believe your child should be considered for re-screening or re-testing before the required one-year waiting period has elapsed.
2. Supporting documentation, such as:
   • Reading and/or math achievement reports
   • Local or state assessment results
   • Report card grades
   • Student work samples that demonstrate gifted characteristics
3. If applicable, documentation of any medical circumstances that may have affected your child's performance during the screening or testing process.

If a parent or guardian chooses not to appeal the decision, the student will be eligible for re-screening one year after their most recent screening date. At that time, either the parent/guardian or the student's teacher may submit a referral for consideration.