How are students identified as gifted and talented learners?
Identification is made by the Identification, Placement, Review Committee (IPRC)
Taken into consideration is: - The students IQ screening score - School achievement data - Full psychological assessment
Teachers would present these students for discussion to the In-School Review Committee (ISRC) for enhanced programming considerations. The ISRC may recommend administration of the Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test (CCAT), the completion of a GRS, the opportunity for enhancements through the ISELP and/or the completion of a psycho-educational assessment.
The Canadian Cognitive Ability Test (CCAT)
This test is performed to determine a child’s capability for learning. Through the CCAT tests, it indicates the students IQ. The test has multiple-choice questions related to three areas or set of abilities, verbal, quantitative and non- verbal. The IRSC may request the completion of the Gifted Rating Scales (GRS), recommend the In-School Enhanced Learning Program (ISELP), and/or completion of a psycho-educational assessment to meet students’ needs. (Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test)
The Gifted Rating Scale (GRS)
This test is completed by teachers. After completing the test, it provides information to help the school team in determining student needs for differentiation beyond regular classroom programming. The test measures Intellectual Ability, Academic Ability, Creativity, and Motivation.
In-School Enhanced Learning Program (ISELP)
The ISELP program is for those students being supported by differentiate instructions within the regular classroom programming. This is determined by the ISRC and the school psycho-educational consultant. The level of differentiation of the content, process, product and/or evaluation will be determined by the learner’s needs and interests. An Individual Education Plan will be created for students who are serviced through the ISELP.
The Psycho-educational Assessment
After a student’s profile is reviewed at an ISRC, like all other contained special education programs, a complete psycho-educational assessment is required prior to identification by an appropriate IPRC. A psycho-educational assessment will include a measure of intellectual ability, a measure of academic achievement and a measure of adaptive functioning, as measured on the GRS, which is completed by your child’s teacher. This assessment will help determine if the student will be placed in an Enhanced Learning Class.
Additional Information for Parents The Association for Bright Children of Ontario - is an all volunteer, provincially incorporated registered charity, with many chapters across Ontario. It is dedicated to providing information, advocacy and support to parents of bright and gifted children and adolescents through newsletters, networking, an annual conference and local workshops. It offers the parents' voice to local school boards, educators, professional groups and the Ontario Ministry (ABC Ontario).