Gifted

SEL Schools is committed to identifying and supporting gifted students through a comprehensive and equitable screening process. Using state-approved assessments and a variety of data sources, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to demonstrate their potential. Below is an overview of our gifted screening and identification process.

• Pre-Assessment:
  All students are reviewed using a variety of data sources (e.g., test scores, nominations, and portfolios) to ensure equal access to gifted identification.

• Screening:
  Students are screened using the NNAT3 (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test) for superior cognitive identification in grades 2 and 4. The iReady assessment is used for academic identification in reading and math (grades 2-8). Referrals for creative, visual, or performing arts are also considered.

• Identification:
  Students who meet state criteria (per ORC 3324.03) are identified as gifted. Parents are notified of results within 30 days.

• Assessment (Second Testing):
  Students scoring near the cut-off may receive additional testing. Parents can appeal decisions by submitting written documentation for review.

SEL Schools provides gifted services for students as appropriate for each child's gifted identification. Services may include:

• Differentiation and enrichment in the regular education classroom.
• Gifted cluster classes in reading and/or math.
• Advanced classes in math and ELA.
• Weekly enrichment opportunities.
• Single-subject acceleration in math, ELA, or other areas; whole-grade acceleration; early entrance to kindergarten; or early graduation.
• Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and College Credit Plus courses.

Testing for gifted identification is offered upon referral and within 45 days of the request.   Please complete the District referral and request for testing form on the district website (see appendix). If you are NOT the parent/guardian who is requesting testing, the District MUST seek permission for testing from the parent/guardian.  Complete the Referral/Permission for Gifted Identification Testing Form online and submit electronically.

An appeal by the parent and/or guardian is the reconsideration of the results of any part of the identification process which would include:

• Screening procedure or assessment instrument which results in identification
• The scheduling of a student for assessment
• The placement of a student for services
• Receipt of services

Parents/guardians should submit a letter to the Gifted Services Coordinator, South Euclid-Lyndhurst City School District, 1825 South Green Road, South Euclid OH  44121. or email harkera@sel.k12.oh.us.outlining the nature of the concern.  The Gifted Services Coordinator will convene a meeting with the parent, which may include other school personnel.  A written final decision will be issued within 30 days of the appeal and include the reasons for that decision.

Any student transferring into the District will be assessed within 90 days of the transfer at the request of the parent.  This request can be made in writing to either the building principal or directly to the Gifted Services Department.  The Building Principal or Gifted Services Department shall send the parent and/or guardian a referral form as well as permission to test paperwork (also available electronically through our website).  

Parents and/or guardians of transfer students who are assessed will be notified of results within 30 days of receiving the student’s assessment results.

If a student was previously identified in Ohio or another state, parents and/or guardians need to contact the Gifted Services Department.  Once a student has been identified in Ohio, there is no need to re-identify a student.  Parents and/or guardians are encouraged to share past Written Education Plans and other pertinent gifted records with Gifted Services.  

The South Euclid-Lyndhurst City School District accepts outside testing data that follows Ohio Revised Code 3324.01-.07.  Parents and/or guardians who have any questions about the transferring of a student to the South Euclid Lyndhurst School District should contact the Coordinator of Gifted Services at harkera@sel.k12.oh.us

There are three categories of gifted identification:

• Superior cognitive
• Specific academic
• Visual and performing arts

A gifted service is a service that conforms to the  Ohio Gifted Operating Standards  Students who are served must have Written Education Plans (WEP).  They are also reported to the Educational Management Information System (EMIS) as receiving gifted services.  The WEP documents adjustments made to the curriculum in his/her area(s) of identification.  Ohio’s Academic Content Standards (and Ohio Core) recognize that students develop at different rates and clearly state that if they can exceed grade level indicators, they must be afforded the opportunity to do so.  This gives teachers the flexibility to modify or differentiate instruction for students in which the 

• level is advanced to ensure challenge,
• pace is adjusted to accommodate faster learning rates,
• complexity requires students to analyze or integrate several ideas, and
• depth encourages students to explore a topic in more thoughtful detail.

WEP progress is shared with parents periodically during the school year, typically at conferences.  It is important to note that the WEP is not an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and does not follow procedures as outlined in federal law for special education.  They are separate documents and operate under different laws and policies.

The South Euclid Lyndhurst School District uses SameGoal as a student management tool.  Written Education Plans will be kept in SameGoal where parents can access to view, review and sign. Gifted Services instructors, Gifted Coordinator and cluster group teachers are responsible for the completion and sharing of the student WEPs.   Parents will be notified annually when the WEP is ready to review.  This notification comes  through an email from SameGoal where parents can review, sign and print a copy of the WEP or WAP.