Gifted and Acceleration Information

Presently, the Federal government allows individual states to determine the nature and scope of gifted education. As a result, gifted identification and services vary widely among the states. Some states have a mandate for identifcation and services, while other states may off little to no services. Ohio is in the middle of the continuum in that there is a mandate to identify gifted students, but no mandate to serve. As a result, gifted services among the local districts varies as much as the states differ in their requirements.

The Berea City School District is committed to providing a continuum of programs and services for all students. Gifted students may need curriculum modifications, acceleration, self-contained classes and/or enrichment. Instruction is differentiated to provide all students appropriate pacing and support necessary for advanced-level learning.

Who May Refer For Gifted Identification?

Students in Preschool through Twelfth grade may be referred on an ongoing basis by a parent/guardian, peer, self-referral or any Berea City School District staff member.

Superior Cognitive, Specific Academic, and Creative Thinking Identification Information:

The Berea City School District identifies gifted students in the follow categories: Superior Cognitive, Specific Academic, Creative Thinking, and Visual Performing Arts (visual arts, drama/theatre, music and dance). Services are provided for Superior Cognitive students. The District Plan provides full details about services offered in the Berea City School District. The Gifted Services staff may serve as a resource for parents of students who qualify as Specific Academic, Creative Thinking or Visual Performing Arts. For forms, please click on Gifted Referral Forms - Grades PreK-12 at the bottom of this page.

Subject or Whole Grade Level Acceleration Information:

Some children need more than their current educational placement. Students do not have to have a gifted identification to qualify for acceleration. Typically, students who need acceleration are ones who are consistently top of their class and they complete their work quickly and accurately. There are two main types of acceleration: whole-grade and subject acceleration.

Students who qualify for Early Entrance to Kindergarten or 1st grade are also considered acceleration students. Additionally, early high school graduation is another form of acceleration. 

The need for whole-grade acceleration is rare and many factors are considered when evaluating whether or not a child is a good candidate. The Iowa Acceleration Scale (IAS) is the guide used for whole-grade acceleration K-8. The IAS requires the acceleration committee to look at assessment data, school and academic factors, developmental factors, interpersonal skills, school and family attitude and support as well as critical items such as siblings in the accelerated grade level or the student’s ability is less than one standard deviation above the mean. Anyone seeking whole-grade acceleration should contact the Gifted Services Coordinator.

For forms, please click on Subject or Whole Grade Acceleration at the bottom of this page.

Early Entrance General Information:

Some children are “ready for school” before school is “ready for them.” The practice of admitting a student to Kindergarten or first grade who has not yet reached the typical age at which students are admitted to Kindergarten or first grade for the purpose of providing access to appropriately challenging learning opportunities is referred to as early entrance. For forms, please click on Early Entrance to Kindergarten at the bottom of this page.

Have Further Questions about the Identification Process?

Any questions about the identification process or services should be directed to:

Forms

Please complete the appropriate forms below, based on the identification you are seeking.

Early Entrance to Kindergarten (submission deadline for 25-26 school year is 4/15/2025)

Gifted Referral Form - Grades K-12

Subject or Whole Grade Acceleration