In Pennsylvania, a student is considered mentally gifted when they demonstrate outstanding intellectual or creative ability that requires specially designed programs, support services, or both. These needs extend beyond what is typically provided in the general education setting. Chapter 16 of Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code indicates the term mentally gifted includes a person who has an IQ of 130 or higher or meets multiple criteria indicating gifted ability. Multiple criteria indicating gifted ability include:
When compared to similar aged peers, the following may indicate giftedness;
The Perkiomen Valley School District’s procedures for screening and evaluation for gifted education are aligned with the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Chapter 16 Regulations. Screening is a systematic process used to determine whether a student may need a comprehensive evaluation for gifted education services. An evaluation is a more in-depth, systematic process used to determine a student’s eligibility for gifted education services.
All students in 2nd grade are administered the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). The CogAT is a K-12 assessment measuring student reasoning and problem solving skills across verbal, qualitative, and non-verbal domains. This screening tool is frequently used by schools to identify potential giftedness. Students’ scores that meet or exceed a predetermined cut score are referred for further evaluation for giftedness.
Students in any grade can be screened for potential need for a gifted evaluation at any time during the school year. The school team or the student’s teacher can initiate a screening for a gifted evaluation. Parents or guardians may also request a screening by submitting a written request to the principal of their child’s school. The school-based team will complete the screening process. If screening data indicate a need for a gifted evaluation, the school will issue a Permission to Evaluate (PTE) requesting permission to complete a Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation.
The GMDE uses multiple sources of data to develop a well-rounded understanding of the student. No single measure is used to determine gifted eligibility. Data collected may include, but is not limited to, the following:
Based on this information, if a student is found eligible and in need of specially designed instruction, the team develops a Gifted Individualized Education Plan (GIEP) to support the student’s areas of strength.
Moving through content at a faster pace or accessing advanced material.
PA regulations that govern gifted education services, eligibility, and parent rights
Where and how gifted services are delivered.
Deepening learning through complexity, creativity, and higher-level thinking.
A written plan that outlines goals, services, SDI, and placement for a gifted student.
A comprehensive evaluation using multiple sources of data
Team which includes school professionals and parents who provide and/or review information and data to determine eligibility.
An IQ of 130+ may indicate giftedness, but students with lower scores may still qualify if other data strongly support gifted need.
A student whose abilities require specially designed instruction beyond the regular education program.
Decisions are based on several data points
Written notice explaining proposed gifted eligibility, services, and placement decisions.
Written parent consent required before a gifted evaluation begins.
Parent rights under Chapter 16.
Instruction adapted to meet a gifted student’s unique learning needs.