School district changes method of identifying gifted students

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Sep 21, 1999 by Associated Press

LONGMONT- The St. Vrain Valley School District is changing its way of identifying gifted students by looking at those who might not score highly on general tests but show remarkable talent in a specific area.

"Instead of labeling students, we are now identifying strengths and will program for those," Debbie Hutchinson, the school district's gifted coordinator, told the school board last week. However, she added, the program changes could take two years.

Traditionally, teachers and parents nominated students whom they considered above-average learners. The district then checked general test scores to support the nominations. If a student wasn't nominated by an adult or if general tests were not strong, that student would miss advanced classes.

That's about to change as new technology is changing ways to identify children.

"There's a lot more data to look at," Hutchinson said, adding that the district can look at more varied tests and information.

If the child is labeled as above average, the St. Vrain Valley school district provides resources such as mentors, independent study sessions or advanced classes. Some students skip grades or take college-level courses.

About 15 percent or about 1,350 of the St. Vrain Valley's 18,300 students fit the "advanced learners" mode.

"And about 3 to 5 percent were truly gifted," said Marlene Hughes, an elementary resource teacher for its gifted programs.