GIFTED SERVICES: OVERVIEW & QUALIFICATIONS

To qualify for gifted services in the Washington Local School District, a student must have a superior cognitive score (two standard deviations above the mean minus the standard error of measurement) on a nationally normed test of cognitive skills. Students must perform at or above the 95th percentile on a basic or composite battery of a nationally normed achievement test in reading and/or math, and score at or above the 90th percentile in the other (reading or math).

Testing for gifted identification begins in the spring of second grade. Retesting takes place during the first several weeks of third grade. Students who qualify for gifted services begin the LEAP program during the first quarter of third grade. Parents and teachers may request testing for gifted identification at anytime. Students are screened and tested again in 6th grade for gifted identification.

Once a student is identified as gifted, they can receive gifted services grade three through grade eight. At Whitmer High School, the district provides services to these students by offering honors and advanced courses. Students served in grades 3-8 have an individual Written Education Plan (WEP).

LEAP (grades 3-6) is held at Greenwood Elementary. LEAP (grades 7-8) is a language arts class at Jefferson and Washington junior high schools. Enrichment services are provided through the Gifted Outreach teacher as needed in the elementary schools.

If you have further questions concerning WLS' Gifted Services, please contact Jo Salvage.