NLCS High Ability Definition and Mission Statement

*Updated in 2024

 

IDOE High Ability Student Definition

A “High ability student” means a student who: performs at, or shows the potential for performing at, an outstanding level of accomplishment in at least one domain when compared to other students of the same age, experience, or environment; and is characterized by exceptional gifts, talents, motivation, or interests.

 

NLCS Approved High Ability Student Definition (Approved 2024)

A high ability student is one who performs at, or shows the potential for performing at, an outstanding level of accomplishment in at least one domain, when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment, and is characterized by exceptional gifts, talents, or motivation. (IC 20-36-1-3)

 

NLCS High Ability Mission Statement (Approved 2024)

It is the mission of North Lawrence Community Schools to have a program that provides high ability students the opportunity for growth in the following areas:

 

1. Adopting a growth mindset approach to learning
2. Developing emotional maturity and social skills through social-emotional support
3. Achieving academic success in rigorous curriculums
4. Overcoming academic challenges through perseverance
5. Valuing and recognizing the benefits of risk taking
6. Engaging routinely in higher-level thinking and complex problem solving

 

 

2025-2026 Elementary High Ability Identification Criteria

 

High Ability Qualification Guidelines

 

1. Any student who tests in the 96th percentile and above on CogAT VERBAL (ELA) and/or QUANTITATIVE (Math) or QUANTITATIVE NONVERBAL PARTIAL COMPOSITE qualifies as a high-ability student. 
2. Any student who tests in the 96 percentile and above on NWEA ELA or Math qualifies as a high ability student.
3. Any student who tests in the 94-95th percentile on CogAT or NWEA is considered “on the bubble” and requires Scales for Identifying Gifted Students (SIGS) rating and a second measure for qualification.  These students will also complete a product work sample. If the student is in the 90th percentile or higher on NWEA in addition to a 94-95 percentile CogAT score, the student qualifies. 
4. Any student who tests in the 94th-95th percentile on CogAT or NWEA and has a SIGS score of 35 or higher in their particular area (ELA or Math) qualifies.

High Ability Guesting Guidelines in Buildings With a High Ability Specialist

1. The student must at least be in the 90-95 percentile on CogAT or NWEA to be considered for guesting.  Students in this range will require a SIGS rating for guest placement.
2. In addition, their SIGS evaluation in that specific area must have a combined score of 31 or higher.
3. If their SIGS evaluation in that specific area is lower than 31 but the student has higher than 31 in the areas of GI, Creativity, and/or Leadership, the student can still qualify as a guest.

________________________________

NLCS Parent Pathway to High Ability Identification 2025-2026

 

Parent Recommendation Pathway

1. In 2025-2026, any NLCS parent may recommend a student for testing in 1st, 3rd, & 4th grade.  (All students in the other grade levels will be universally screened for high ability.)  In 2026-2027, any NLCS parent may recommend a student for testing in 1st, 3rd, 4th, & 6th grades by completing the Parent Recommendation Form and emailing the High Ability Coordinator.  (All students in the other grade levels will be universally screened for high ability.)
2. If the child’s teacher agrees that the child should be tested, the teacher will also submit a Teacher Recommendation form for testing.
3. If the child’s teacher disagrees and believes that the child should not be tested, the teacher will complete a Teacher Feedback Form.  At that time, a letter will be sent home to the parent via the school stating that the child is not considered for testing at this time.
4. If the teacher agrees the child should be tested, the student will then take the CogAT screener during the CogAT testing window for that school year and complete a product work sample.
5. The student’s teacher will complete a Scales for Identifying Gifted Students (SIGS) form for the student.
6. The Identification Committee will review the teacher recommendation form, CogAT score, product work sample, achievement data, and SIGS to make a determination for placement.
7. Students who are not placed will get a letter sent home declining placement by the district.  
8. Students who are placed will receive an acceptance letter from the district.  If the student is in a building with a high ability specialist, the student will receive a placement letter in the high ability program from the school as well.

 

Parent Appeal Process

1. The appeal request form is completed online by the petitioner. 
2. The petitioner then compiles a digital portfolio for consideration.  This portfolio should include any past standardized assessment scores and at least two past work samples.  The petitioner will send the digital portfolio to the High Ability Coordinator.
3. The High Ability Coordinator then reviews the student profile and requests alternative assessments which may include but are not limited to the CogAT, Slosson Test, product work samples, achievement data, and a Home Scales for Identifying Gifted Students (SIGS).
4. The High Ability Identification Committee will consider appeals prior to the beginning of the school year or prior to the second semester. This meeting MAY include an interview with the student and/or petitioners.
5. The High Ability Coordinator will report results to the petitioner in writing.
6. Students who are not placed will get a letter sent home declining placement by the district.  
7. Students who are placed will receive an acceptance letter from the district.  If the student is in a building with a high ability specialist, the student will receive a placement letter in the high ability program from the school as well.

 

*The Parent Recommendation Form, High Ability Parent Appeal Form, and Home SIGS form are all linked on each elementary school’s website as well as the district website.