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 • 2025-26
The assessment windows provide data the school staff will review as a component of multiple criteria used to plan for your child’s education.
| Due/End Date | Item | Grade Levels Involved |
|---|---|---|
| July 31 - August 16 | Fall NWEA Testing Window | Grade 2 (all) - Reading only |
| October | ILEARN Checkpoint 1 | Grades 3-8 |
| November 3 - December 19 | Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Testing Window |
Grades K & 2 - all students |
| December 1 - 19 | Winter NWEA Testing Window | Grades K-2 (all) |
| January | 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 | |
| ILEARN Checkpoint 2 | Grades 3-8 | |
| February - March |
February 7 - parent/teacher nominations close |
Grades 3-5 |
| Middle school scheduling begins and high ability appeals open once schedules are released. | Grades 6-8 | |
| 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 (recommended students) - SIGS must be completed and returned by March 17. | |
| ILEARN Checkpoint 3 | Grades 3-8 | |
| March - May | SIGS Scoring | Grades 3-5 |
| March - Grade 5 Identification Committee | Grade 5 | |
| April 24 - Middle school appeals close; must be received by this date | Grades 6-8 | |
| May 1 - NWEA MAP Growth | K-2 students | |
| End of May - Middle school course placement appeals notified | Grades 6-8 | |
| May - Elementary selection meeting to review data and identify qualifying students | Grades K, 2, and new-to-Avon students | |
| June |
Notification letters and permission slips to qualifying students. Nominated students notified of decision. |
Grades 3-5 |
| Appeals window opens until July 30. | Grades K-8 |