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Assessments & Body of Evidence

Jeffco GT reviews a full Body of Evidence, including both qualitative and quantitative data, for all identification decisions, using the 95th percentile or above (either age or grade norms) and/or an exceptional/distinguished rating as criteria for determining exceptionality consistent with CDE guidelines. A single piece of evidence neither qualifies nor disqualifies a student for GT identification. The review of the Body of Evidence is done by a team of at least 2 qualified GT personnel who have been trained in GT identification.

Jeffco’s Body of Evidence follows CDE guidelines, including both qualitative and quantitative data.  Qualifying evidence comes from Cognitive Assessments, Achievement Assessments, Behavioral Observations and Performance Evaluations. This list is not inclusive of the acceptable tests.

Body of Evidence: In accordance with CO Dept of Education guidelines, Jeffco identifies GT students based on evidence from a variety of sources:

Cognitive (only one qualifying piece needed)*

Achievement (may have two qualifying pieces)*



  • Torrance Test of Creative Abilities

District Assessments:

GT Department:

  • TERA: Test of Early Reading Ability
  • TEMA: Test of Early Math Ability
  • TOMAGS: Test of Math Ability for Gifted Students
  • KTEA: Kaufman Test of Educational Ability

Behavioral Observations

Performance Evaluations

  • Parent Narrative
  • SIGS: Scales for Identifying Gifted Students

State/National Academic Contest

  • Top placement or ranking

Expert Juried Performance

  • Advanced or distinguished

Expert Assessed Portfolio Review

  • Advanced/Above Grade Level

*Qualifying evidence is at the 95th percentile or “Advanced/Exceeds” standards level

No single piece of evidence permanently qualifies or disqualifies a student’s identification

Universal Screener

A universal screener is a way to systematically identify exceptional potential and hidden talent among all populations at a given grade level, including English Language Learners, students with special needs and those who may not be achieving on other traditional academic measures. Using a universal screener is considered a best practice in the field of gifted education.

In Jeffco, we administer the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) to all 2nd graders at all district schools.

GT Testing Opportunities

Jeffco typically holds wide-scale testing opportunities with the CogAT in the fall.  

It may be possible to arrange additional testing opportunities outside of these windows.  In this case, contact your school’s GT Resource Teacher (GT RT). Your school’s GT RT may also contact you for further testing even after they have gone through the testing opportunities listed above if we need additional information for the body of evidence.

Click here for our GT Identification & Assessments page.

Exam Security

We have a professional and ethical responsibility to ensure the security of all testing protocols. Many assessments are only for sale to educational institutions or licensed psychologists to ensure this security. Because of this, we cannot release actual testing questions or protocols to the public. Practice questions may be available from the publisher for some assessments. In those cases, we provide practice or sample questions to students just prior to administration. We are usually not allowed to release these to the public due to copyright or exam security concerns.



GT Testing Opportunities

Jeffco typically holds wide-scale testing opportunities with the CogAT in the fall.

It may be possible to arrange additional testing opportunities outside of these windows. In this case, contact your school’s GT Resource Teacher (GT RT). Your school’s GT RT may also contact you for further testing even after they have gone through the testing opportunities listed above if we need additional information for the body of evidence.

Click here for our GT Identification & Assessments page.

 

Exam Security

We have a professional and ethical responsibility to ensure the security of all testing protocols. Many assessments are only for sale to educational institutions or licensed psychologists to ensure this security. Because of this, we cannot release actual testing questions or protocols to the public. Practice questions may be available from the publisher for some assessments. In those cases, we provide practice or sample questions to students just prior to administration. We are usually not allowed to release these to the public due to copyright or exam security concerns.



 

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