This research-based process provides each student with an opportunity for identification. It consists of three areas: ability, classroom achievement, and behavior characteristics.

Ability: In January, all kindergartners are screened with a cognitive abilities assessment. Areas of thinking that are assessed are Verbal, Non-Verbal, and Quantitative.

Classroom Achievement: Gathered for students receiving a portfolio review, this information includes reading text-level and second trimester report card indicators in both literacy and math.

Behavior Characteristics: Gathered for students receiving a portfolio review, this information includes a teacher checklist (Scales for Rating the Behavior Characteristics of Superior Students) and a parent questionnaire (Things My Child Likes to Do).
 

Portfolio Review

Students who score in a predetermined range on the CogAT 7 are considered for gifted services by means of a portfolio review. Portfolios include data from all four areas of assessment. Student names are removed from portfolio information; only a student identification number is used during the review process. A team reviews each portfolio to determine identification for gifted and talented education. If identified, the committee also determines the appropriate level of programming for that student. Parents are notified regarding this decision and provided information concerning future action.
 

Levels of Programming

• An invitation to attend AGATE Academy (Area Gifted and Talented Education), our School-within-a-School Program (Currently housed at Lowell Elementary).

• Building level programming in math, reading, or both subjects (Currently in development).

• Differentiation in the regular-education classroom.
   

Elementary Appeals Process

At the request of a parent or guardian, the following appeals process will begin. The costs of assessments administered during the appeals process are the family's responsibility.

1. A school psychologist will administer the appropriate cognitive ability test.*

2. Scoring in the 90th percentile on the alternative cognitive ability test will qualify a child for a portfolio review.

3. Members from the Gifted and Talented Advisory Committee will review the portfolio and make a final decision.

Requests should be sent to Gifted and Talented Resource Teacher.

* The cost of the alternative assessment administered by the Paul Bunyan Cooperative is $150.

Students in grades 1-4 may be assessed for Gifted Education at the request of a teacher or parent. If not previously taken, the initial step is administering the CogAT 7 Cognitive Abilities Test. This assessment comprises three different batteries: Verbal, Quantitative, and Non-verbal. Each of these batteries has three sub-tests, so students are assessed in 9 unique ways of thinking and processing. Depending on the CogAT score, additional information may be needed in the areas of performance, classroom achievement, and behavioral characteristics. This portfolio of information may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Report cards

• Reading level

• Teacher checklist (Scales for Rating the Behavior Characteristics of Superior Students, or SRBCSS)

• Parent questionnaire
   

Portfolio Review

Names are removed from the portfolio contents; only a student identification number is used during the review process. A team reviews each portfolio to determine identification for gifted and talented education. If identified, the committee also determines the appropriate level of programming for that student. Parents are notified regarding this decision and provided information concerning future action.

Levels of Programming

• An invitation to attend AGATE Academy (Area Gifted and Talented Education), our School-within-a-School Program (Currently housed at Lowell Elementary).

• Building level programming in math, reading, or both subjects (Currently in development).

• Differentiation in the regular-education classroom.
   

Elementary Appeals Process

At the request of a parent or guardian, the following appeals process will begin. The costs of assessments administered during the appeals process are the family's responsibility.

1. A school psychologist will administer the appropriate cognitive ability test.*

2. Scoring in the 90th percentile on the alternative cognitive ability test will qualify a child for a portfolio review.

3. Members from the Gifted and Talented Advisory Committee will review the portfolio and make a final decision.

Requests should be sent to Gifted and Talented Resource Teacher.

* The cost of the alternative assessment administered by the Paul Bunyan Educational Cooperative is $150.

For students moving to, or considering attendance in, Brainerd Public Schools, the identification process is similar to that of our current students. Students in grades 1-4 may be assessed for Gifted Education at the request of a teacher or parent. If not previously taken, the initial step is administering the CogAT 7 Cognitive Abilities Test. This assessment comprises three different batteries: Verbal, Quantitative, and Non-verbal. Each of these batteries has three sub-tests, enabling students to be assessed in 9 unique ways of thinking and processing. Depending on the CogAT score, additional information may be needed in the areas of performance, classroom achievement, and behavioral characteristics. This portfolio of information may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Test scores (CogAT7)

• Report cards

• Reading level

• Teacher checklist, such as Scales for Rating the Behavior Characteristics of Superior Students (SRBCSS)

• Parent questionnaire
   

Portfolio Review

Names are removed from the portfolio contents; only a student identification number is used during the review process. A team reviews each portfolio to determine identification for gifted and talented education. If identified, the committee also determines the appropriate level of programming for that student. Parents are notified regarding this decision and provided information concerning future action.

Levels of Programming

• An invitation to attend AGATE Academy (Area Gifted and Talented Education), our School-within-a-School Program (Currently housed at Lowell Elementary).

• Building level programming in math, reading, or both subjects (Currently in development).

• Differentiation in the regular-education classroom.  

Elementary Appeals Process

At the request of a parent or guardian, the following appeals process will begin. The costs of assessments administered during the appeals process are the family's responsibility.

1. A school psychologist will administer the appropriate cognitive ability test.*

2. Scoring in the 90th percentile on the alternative cognitive ability test will qualify a child for a portfolio review.

3. Members from the Gifted and Talented Advisory Committee will review the portfolio and make a final decision.

Requests should be sent to Gifted and Talented Resource Teacher.

* The cost of the alternative assessment administered by the Paul Bunyan Cooperative is $150.