Identification Process

MSD of Wayne Township Identification Process

Research supports a set of specific procedures for identifying students with high abilities in an equitable, fair, valid, and defensible way. High ability manifests itself in different ways in different cultures or socioeconomic groups. Multiple criteria are used including student achievement, student ability, and parent and teacher observations.

Step One: Phase 1 Screening for High Ability

In the fall, all students in grades 2 and 6 are screened based upon several assessments as indicated below:

• CogAT, grades 2 and 6
• Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test, grade 6

Teacher and parent nominations are collected.

Step Two: Phase 2 Screening for High Ability

In the winter, all students in grades 2 and 6 are screened based upon several assessments as indicated below:

• NWEA Reading
• NWEA Math
• NWEA Science

Step Three: Use of Data

All student data is compiled for review. Data is also entered for nominated students from private schools, those with unique circumstances or those new to Wayne Township.

Step Four: Determinations by the Placement Committee

A placement committee composed of two district administrators (Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, and the High Ability Coordinator), two building administrators, and additional personnel convenes to review all students in the talent pool for consideration. Initial Placement recommendations are made. All recommendations and data are embargoed.

Step Five: Parent Notification

Parents receive notification of placement. Parent meetings are held. Parents have the opportunity to accept/decline placement.

Step Six: Final Placement and Building Notification

Placements are finalized and schools are notified.

Screening Criteria Score Guidelines

Kindergarten

Assessment	Criteria
CogAT 7 Assessment	Top 5% (based on building norms)
NWEA Assessment	Top 5% (based on building norms)

Grade 2

English / Language Arts Identification:

Students scoring in the 95th percentile (based on local norms) on either the CogAT Verbal Reasoning assessment OR the English / Language Arts portion of the NWEA assessment will be identified for high ability in Language Arts. For students scoring below the 95th percentile, additional data points will be used to determine if high ability cluster placement is appropriate

Math Identification:

Students scoring in the 95th percentile (based on local norms) on either the CogAT Quantitative Reasoning or Quantitative/Nonverbal Reasoning assessment OR the math portion of the NWEA assessment will be identified for high ability in Math. For students scoring below the 95th percentile, additional data points will be used to determine if high ability cluster placement is appropriate.

Horizons Identification:

Students scoring in the 95th percentile (based on local norms) on both the English / Language Arts and math criteria will be identified for Horizons programming. For students scoring below the 95th percentile, additional data points will be used to determine if Horizons placement is appropriate.

Grade 6

English / Language Arts Identification:

Students scoring in the 95th percentile (based on local norms) on either the CogAT Verbal Reasoning assessment OR the English / Language Arts portion of the NWEA assessment will be identified for high ability in Language Arts. For students scoring below the 95th percentile, additional data points will be used to determine if HONORS placement is appropriate.

Math Identification:

Students scoring in the 95th percentile (based on local norms) on either the CogAT Quantitative Reasoning or Quantitative/Nonverbal Reasoning assessment OR the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test will be identified for high ability in Math. For students scoring below the 95th percentile, additional data points will be used to determine if HONORS placement is appropriate.

Path	7th	8th	9th	10th	11th	12th
Traditional	7th Math	8th Math	Algebra I	Geometry	Algebra II	Precalculus
HONORS Path	7/8 Compact	Algebra I	Algebra II	Geometry	Precalculus	Calculus AB / Stats

Science Identification:

Students scoring in the 90th percentile (based on local norms) on both the NWEA Science and math criteria will be identified for HONORS in Science. For students scoring below the 90th percentile, additional data points will be used to determine if HONORS placement is appropriate.