Gifted programming is covered under Chapter 16 of the Pennsylvania Code. A student displaying gifted tendencies is defined as:
…outstanding intellectual and creative ability the development of which requires specially designed programs or support services, or both, not ordinarily provided in the regular education program. (22 Pa. Code §16.1)
Determination of giftedness is defined by PDE as:
The term “mentally gifted†includes a person who has an IQ of 130 or higher, when multiple criteria as set forth in Department Guidelines indicate gifted ability. Determination of gifted ability will not be based on IQ score alone…. The determination shall include an assessment by a certified school psychologist. (22 Pa. Code §16.21(d))
The evaluation criteria for the South Williamsport School District uses a teacher screening instrument, an achievement test, and a cognitive assessment which together are combined for a determination if gifted programming is necessary.
The use of the teacher screening instrument is to identify those students with strong gifted tendencies for a full evaluation. The screening instrument seeks to assess demonstrated ability by the student in various classroom activities over a period of time.
Once gifted programming is determined to be appropriate and is approved by the Gifted Multidisciplinary Team, a Gifted Rating Scale is used with the student to determine his/her specific areas of giftedness (i.e. Intellectual, Academic, Creative, Artistic, etc.)
The district believes that all children can benefit from rigorous instruction. The programs developed to meet the needs of gifted students will be provided for students not identified as gifted, but who would equally benefit from such activities. If you have questions or comments, please contact either of us.
Kristin Bastian,
Director of Special Education/Gifted Services/School Psychologist
