- Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation
- High Ability
HIGH ABILITY
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Since 1981, BCSC has been providing opportunities for high ability learners.
Explore this webpage to learn about options for high ability learners and the identification process.
According to Indiana Code, 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.” (IC 20-36-1-3)
High Ability Program Coordinator
Gail Koors
koorsg@bcsc.k12.in.us
Goals of High Ability Instruction
Within a Universally Designed Learning environment, develop students to apply higher order thinking skills, increase depth of understanding, and pursue intellectual potential through high quality instruction and rigorous curriculum. This is accomplished by:
- applying skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation
- engagement in developing solutions
- responding to open-ended questions and activities
- collaboration and group interaction
- experiencing a multi-disciplinary approach
- maximizing student choice
- developing expert learner qualities
To systematically identify students who demonstrate outstanding achievement or the potential ability to achieve in academic areas; math and English/language arts
To continually revise and improve our high ability program through a systematic evaluation process
To encourage broad based community participation and support in the planning, implementation and evaluation of our program
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
- Kindergarten students are tested to indentify indicators of high ability potential; however, high ability identification begins during the third grade school year.
- Cluster grouping, multi-age classrooms, and other Universal Designs for Learning (UDL) practices are used to meet the needs of our elementary students at all grade levels at all schools.
- An optional self-contained high ability elementary program for grades four through six is available for students identified as high ability learners in both categories.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
- A self-contained high ability middle school program for grades seven and eight is located at both middle schools: Northside and Central. This program offers inclusion within a high ability team.
HIGH SCHOOL
- Honors classes, advanced college credit courses, or the advanced placement (AP) classes for high school high ability learners are offered at both high schools. Further questions should be directed to:
Columbus East High School
Kristin Schuetz
Director of Counseling
(812) 376-4357
schuetzk@bcsc.k12.in.usColumbus North High School
Pat Pemberton
Director of Counseling
(812) 376-4292
pembertonp@bcsc.k12.in.us
High Ability Information
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Confirmation of Participation Forms
If you received a letter indicating that your child was identified as high ability in both math and English/language art and qualifying for placement in the Academic Challenge (AC) program, please confirm or deny placement by clicking on one of the links below.
Confirmation of Participation Elementary
Confirmation of Participation Middle School
OR
You may complete the Confirmation of Participation Form that was enclosed with the letter and mail it to:
BCSC Administration Building
Attn: Gail Koors
1200 Central Avenue
Columbus, IN 47201
You do NOT need to do both the online and the mail in form. Please complete one (1) only.
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Self-Contained High Ability Program
The High Ability Program offers self-contained classrooms that cater to the needs of high ability learners. Students must be tested and identified as a general intellectual high ability learner to be offered placement into this program. Visit the Testing & Identification page of this site to learn more about this process.If you are interested in more information on the Elementary (4 - 6) Academic Challenge (AC) Program, an informational meeting will be held in the spring each year. The meeting will be held in the Terrace Room in the lower level of the Administration Building -
Identification Process
Definition:BCSC adheres to the Indiana definition of a high ability student as one who "performs at or show the potential to perform at an outstanding level of accomplishment in math and/or English/Language Arts when compared to others." In addition, optional learning pathways are available for 4th-6th grade students who have been identified as high ability: cluster grouping, enrichment, acceleration in the current school or placement in an Academic Challenge program located at Parkside Elementary School or Southside Elementary School if the student is identified in both E/LA and Math.Initial Testing:BCSC administers two different types of tests, in class, to assist our Identification Committee in identifying high ability students. The first test is the mid-year NWEA MAP Growth assessment for both English/Language Arts and Math. In February, BCSC students in 3rd and 6th grade who perform in the 85th percentile or higher will also participate in the Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal portions of the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). Students participating in the CogAT assessment will also perform an open ended math prompt and writing prompt. The NWEA mid-year assessment will also be used for identifying potential indicators for high ability in kindergarten students.Identification Criteria:Students scoring in the 96th percentile or higher on the CogAT are identified as high ability in one or both content areas.Students scoring in the 94th - 95th percentile on the CogAT AND 96th percentile or above in the same content area on NWEA will be identified as High Ability in one or both content areas.Students scoring in the 85th percentile or higher are submitted to the High Ability Identification Committee where the student's test performance, math and writing prompt, and a teacher rating scale are reviewed.Communication:Families of 3rd and 6th grade BCSC students will receive email communication by March 30th with results of the high abiity identification process.Appeals:
Any student may appeal the Identification Committee’s decision by completing the appeal form located on the BCSC website. The Appeals Committee, made up of BCSC personnel that might include teachers, counselors, instructional coaches, and/or administrators, will re-evaluate the student’s portfolio.
Change of identification will either be granted, denied, or an interview will be scheduled to gather more information.
If a change of identification is granted, parents will be notified and educational options communicated.
If the change is denied, the decision-making process ends for that student.
If an interview is requested by the appeals committee, the student will be asked to join the committee for an informal meeting. The student will not bring anything to the interview. Parents will be notified concerning the results including educational pathway options. At this point, the decision making process ends for that student.
Retesting:Open testing is offered twice a year, February and June.
The February and June open testing is for new BCSC students who missed the mid-year testing & non-BCSC students in grades 3 - 8.
During open testing:
BCSC elementary students in grades 4 & 5 may retest one (1) time between Grade 3 and Grade 6.
Non-BCSC 3rd - 5th Grade Students may test two (2) times during open testing sessions offered between February of their 3th grade year and February of their 5th grade year with a $25 charge (cash or check made out to: BCSC Fund 2949.)
Incoming 6th graders will not test in June.
BCSC middle school students in grades 7 & 8 may retest one time between June prior to their 7th grade year and June prior to their 8th grade year.
Students moving into BCSC after the mid-year testing in Grade 6, may test two (2) times; they may test during February open testing of their 6th grade year and still retest one (1) more time prior to their 8th grade year.
Non-BCSC 6th - 8th Grade Students may test two (2) times during open testing sessions offered between February of their 6th grade year and June prior to their 8th grade year with a $25 charge (cash or check made out to: BCSC Fund 2949.)
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Open Testing
Open testing is offered twice a year in February and in June. Open testing is held in the Terrace Room in the basement of the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation Administration Building.
February Open TestingThis testing is for new BCSC students who missed the mid-year testing & non-BCSC students in Grades 3-7.Students currently in grades 4, 5, or 7 may retest during these dates.- BCSC students who have completed mid-year NWEA testing and scored in the 85th percentile or higher may complete the registration form to take CogAT only.
- BCSC students who have not completed mid-year NWEA will need to register for NWEA testing.
- Non-BCSC students will register for NWEA testing. There will be a $25 charge for non-BCSC students. Bring cash or check made out to BCSC Fund 2949 to testing.
- A secondary open testing registration for CogAT testing will be provided for BCSC and Non-BCSC qualifying students.
Select this link to register for High Ability Open Testing.
Registration will close on Tuesday, February 9 at 3:00 PM.
Late registrations will not be accepted.
June Open TestingThis testing is for new BCSC students who missed the mid-year testing & non-BCSC students in Grades 3-7.Students entering grades 4, 5, or 7 may retest during these dates.Students may retest one time between grade 3 and grade 7.- BCSC students who have completed end-of-year NWEA testing and scored in the 85th percentile or higher may complete the registration form to take CogAT only.
- BCSC students who have not completed end-of-year NWEA will need to register for NWEA testing.
- Non-BCSC students will register for NWEA testing. There will be a $25 charge for non-BCSC students. Bring cash or check made out to BCSC Fund 2949 to testing.
- A secondary open testing registration for CogAT testing will be provided for BCSC and Non-BCSC qualifying students.
Incoming 6th graders can NOT test in June.Testing Dates and Registration for June Open Testing will be posted by May 1.
Registration LINK will be posted here and remain open for 4 weeks.
Open Testers will not be allowed to enter the testing site until 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the testing session. Parents will not be allowed into the testing area until all testing is complete. Testers will need to be picked up promptly at the end of the testing session. For testing, please park in the parking lot to the south of the Administration Building on 12th Street. Please enter the building off of 12th Street by going down the bricked ramp and looking for a door labeled "High Ability Open Testing."
What to bring to open testing:
- two No. 2 sharpened pencils w/erasers
- ear buds with 3.5mm plug
- a leak-proof water bottle
- a face covering
- a book to read if tester finishes a test section early
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Parent Student Opportunities
NEW Scholarships Available: IAG Scholarship Information for High School SeniorsThe Indiana Association for the Gifted is accepts entries for its yearly scholarship competition from January - March each year. The scholarship is for current seniors. Visit www.iag-online.org to view the informational packet with essay and multimedia presentation topics, gather the required test score reports and letters of recommendation, and then complete the online entry form!
NEW Summer Opportunity: GERI Summer Camps at PurdueJack Kent Cooke Foundation
The Gifted Education Resource Institute has a very exciting summer planned for students of all ages! Kindergarten - 4th grade students have the opportunity to participate in Super Summer & 5th - 12th grade students can join Summer Residential. Visit www.education.purdue.edu/geri/ or call (765) 494-7243 for more information.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation seeks high-performing 7th graders with financial need for its Young Scholars Program. Selected students receive an on-staff educational adviser and services, which may include help planning a suitable academic course load, summer academic and enrichment program opportunities, study-abroad and community-service opportunities, lessons to develop music, art, or other talents, college and career counseling, and the opportunity to network with the larger JKCF Scholar community. Check it out here: http://bit.ly/1a12pQV
The Young Scholars Program is highly competitive and attracts outstanding applicants from across the United States.
The application (there is no cost to apply) and more information will be available soon. Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about the scholarship.
Center for Talent Development
Midwest Academic Talent Search (MATS) See the linked website for more information about registration, eligibility, and dates of testing. Scholarships are available through MATS based on need. NUMATS provides eligible students, in grades 3-9, the opportunity to participate in above grade level testing. Depending on grade level and eligibility, they may take the EXPLORE, SAT or ACT tests.
Destination Imagination
Destination ImagiNation, Inc., the world’s largest creativity and problem solving organization, inspires participants in all of its programs, to learn the process, art, and skill associated with problem solving.
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High Ability Secondary Options
High ability learners have a number of options for academic achievement during their high school years. Please speak with your school counselor to learn more about course options, graduation requirements, and college prerequisites and opportunities.
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High Ability Contact Information
AdministrationWendy FosterHigh Ability Coordinator(812) 314-3843Laura HackDirector of Elementary Education(812) 376-4392William JensenDirector of Secondary Education(812) 375-1762Karen WetheraldDirector of Transportation(812) 376-4246AC TeachersParksideAnn RubleEdie Logston logstone@bcsc.k12.in.usSusie BakerSouthsideMandy KeeleErika Kahlenbeck kahlenbecke@bcsc.k12.in.usAllison WhiteHigh Ability MentorsClifty CreekMonica Kaufmankaufmanm@bcsc.k12.in.usCSA FodreaSadie MinniganCSA LincolnLaura BurbrinkMt. Healthy.in.usAnn LinnParksideJolinn BodkinsRichardsJeff BrayRockcreekBridget HoughtelinSchmittKathy Isonisonk@bcsc.k12.in.usSmithAngie NichalsonSouthsideMandy KeeleTaylorsvilleSarah DetwilerCentral MSKarla EudyNorthside MSCrystal Stewart -
Broad Based Planning Committee
The BBPC represents stakeholders, and its purpose is to plan and review the continuous development and implementation of the services and programs for high ability students. The committee can recommend policies to the local governing body. The committee serves as the:-
Sounding board for programmatic ideas
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Keeper of the vision for high ability education
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Assessor of the degree to which program goals are being met
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Driving force behind improvement
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Support for high ability services
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Representation of key stakeholders
LAST MEETING: May 28, 2020
NEXT MEETING: TBA -
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Teacher Resources
Please take time to view the following websites and materials for use with your high ability students!About this site: The National Association for Gifted Children invests all of its resources to train teachers, encourage parents and educate administrators and policymakers on how to develop and support gifted children and what's at stake if high-potential learners are not challenged and encouraged.About this site: Indiana Association for the GiftedAbout this site: Byrdseed is a place dedicated to differentiating instruction for high-level learners. Learn new ideas, share what you know, and grow as an educator.About this site: Welcome to Hoagies' Gifted Education Page, the all-things-gifted site, full of resources, articles, books and links to help and support parents, teachers, and gifted children alike. Pick your path, and explore them all!