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Information and Referral Forms

Gifted and Acceleration Information

Gifted Education

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 states. Some states have a mandate for identification and services, while other states may offer 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 local districts vary as much as 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, 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 or 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 following 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 use the “Gifted Referral Forms . Grades PreK-12” link at the bottom of this page.

Subject or whole-grade 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 consistently at the top of their class and 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 first 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 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 review 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 whether 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 use the “Subject or Whole Grade Acceleration” link 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, for the purpose of providing access to appropriately challenging learning opportunities, is referred to as early entrance.

For forms, please use the “Early Entrance to Kindergarten” link 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:

Megan O'Hara
Gifted Coordinator Consultant
Phone: (216) 898-8300 ext. 6258
Email: bcsdgifted@bereaschools.org

Forms

Please complete the appropriate form below based on the type of identification or acceleration you are seeking.