High Ability Learners
In accordance with Indiana Code 20-36-2, Avon Schools has developed and provides appropriate educational experiences to high ability students in grades kindergarten through grade 12.
By definition, “A High Ability Student is one who performs at, or shows the potential for performing at, an outstanding level of accomplishment in at least one domain when compared to other students of the same age, experience, or environment; and is characterized by exceptional gifts, talents, motivation or interests.” (Indiana Code 20-36-1-3) The ACSC High Ability program provides a learning environment at the level of challenge necessary for a student’s intellectual and personal growth and encourages learning beyond the regular curriculum with an emphasis on critical thinking to provide students with skills necessary for College and Career Readiness.
Avon High Ability Program Manual
High Ability Identification Timeline
The assessment windows provide data the school staff will review as a component of multiple criteria used to plan for your child’s education, not only high ability identification.
| Due/End Date | Item | Grade Levels Involved |
|---|---|---|
| July 27 - August 19 | Fall NWEA Testing Window | Grade 2 (all) - Reading only Grades 2-8 - new-to-Avon students |
| November 1 - December 15 | CogAT Testing Window |
Grades K, 2 & 4 - all students |
| November 30 - December 22 | Winter NWEA Testing Window | Grades K-8 (all) |
| January - February | Parent notification of NWEA & CogAT results | Students with test results |
| Parent/Teacher nomination forms open for grades 3-5 (link included with test results) | Grades 3-5 | |
| Orleans Hanna Algebra Readiness Testing Window | Qualifying 6th graders | |
| Middle school scheduling begins and high ability appeals open once course forms are received | Grades 7-8 | |
| February - March |
February 9 - nominations close Scales for Identifying Gifted Students (SIGS) sent to parents and teachers of nominated students who have scores falling just short or within standard error of measurement. |
Grades 3-5 Nominated students in grades 3-5. SIGS must be completed and returned by March 15. |
| April - May | SIGS Scoring | |
| 4/1-4/12 - Spring NWEA MAP Growth Reading & Math | K-2 students | |
| 4/26 - Middle school appeals close; must be received by this date | Grades 6-7 | |
| 4/29-5/24 - NWEA MAP Growth | Grades 3-8 | |
| Distribute notification letters and permission to qualifying students. Nominated students notified of decision. | Grades 3-5 | |
| Middle school appeals notified | Grades 7-8 | |
| June - July | Distribute notification letters and permission to qualifying students. | Grades K-2 |
| Appeals window open until July 1 |