- 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)
Click Here for High Ability Slides for Families
High Ability Program Coordinator - Gail Koors
koorsg@bcsc.k12.in.us
BCSC High Ability Goals
To develop K-12 students to apply higher order thinking skills, increase depth of understanding, and pursue intellectual potential through high quality instruction and rigorous curriculum within a Universally Designed Learning environment. 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 the academic areas of math and English/language arts
To provide appropriate academic programming for students identified as high ability
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
High Ability Information
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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."Goal:To provide a fair and equitable identification process that includes a multifaceted assessment approach that includes achievement and cognitive measuresAssessment Process:- Grade K, 3 and 6 students will complete the mid-year NWEA MAP Growth assessment for both English/language arts and math at school.
- In January, BCSC students in Kindergarten, 3rd and 6th grade will complete the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) at school.
- Grade 3 and 6 students will also perform a BCSC math performance task and a BCSC writing prompt.
Identification Criteria:Students scoring in the 96th percentile or higher on the CogAT are automatically identified as high ability in Math, in English/Language Arts, or in both - General Intellect.Students scoring in the 94th - 95th percentile on the CogAT AND 96th percentile or above in the same content area on NWEA will be automatically identified as High Ability in Math, in English/language arts, or in both - General Intellect.Students scoring in the 85th percentile or higher are submitted to the High Ability Identification Committee where the student's test performance, math task, writing prompt, and a teacher rating scale are reviewed.Communication:Families of Kindergarten, 3rd and 6th grade BCSC students will receive email communication by March 1, 2023 with results of the high abiity identification process.Appeals:Any family may appeal the Identification Committee’s decision by completing the appeal form located on the BCSC website. Additional information will be obtained, and 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 or denied.
If a change of identification is granted, parents will be notified and educational options communicated.
If the change is denied, Parents will be notified and the decision-making process ends for that student.
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Open Testing/ Retesting
BCSC students may retest one (1) time between the Grade 3 and Grade 6 testing opportunities in school.
BCSC middle school students in grades 7 and 8 may retest one time between June prior to their 7th grade year and June prior to their 8th grade year.
Non-BCSC 3rd - 6th Grade Students may test two (2) times during open testing sessions offered between January of their 3th grade year and January of their 6th grade year with a $25 charge (cash or check made out to: BCSC Fund 2949.)
Non-BCSC 7th - 8th Grade Students may test two (2) times during open testing sessions offered between January 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.)
January 2024 Open Testing will occur Jan. 16-26. The registration form for Open Testing/Retesting will be available on the BCSC website at least 1 month prior to testing.
Identification will be made following the process outlined in "Identification Process."
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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Self-Contained High Ability Program
The Academic Challenge Program offers self-contained classrooms that strive to meet the needs of high ability learners. Students must be assessed and identified as a general intellectual high ability learner (high ability in both math and English/language arts) to participate in the AC Program. Visit the Testing & Identification page of this site to learn more about this process.Elementary Academic Challenge (AC) Program hosts an informational meeting held in the spring each year.To see the informational meeting for 2021-22, click here:High Ability Video -
High Ability Middle School Options
A self-contained high ability middle school program for grades seven and eighth is located at both middle schools: Northside and Central. This program offers inclusion within a high ability team.
For more information about the teams contact:
Central Middle School
Jay Payne
Principal
(812) 376-4282
Northside Middle School
Evan Burton
Principal
(812) 376-4438
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High Ability Secondary Options
High ability learners have a number of options for academic achievement during their high school years.
Honors classes, advanced college credit courses, or the advanced placement (AP) classes for high school high ability learners are offered at both high schools. Please speak with your school counselor to learn more about course options, graduation requirements, and college prerequisites and opportunities. Further questions should be directed to:
Columbus North High School
Emily Tucker
Director of Guidance
(812) 376-4360
tuckere@bcsc.k12.in.us
Columbus East High School
Kristin Beck
Director of Counseling
(812) 376-4292
beckk@bcsc.k12.in.us
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High Ability Contact Information
CoordinatorGail Koors(812) 314-3849AdministrationLaura HackDirector of Elementary Education(812) 376-4228Charles EdwardsDirector of Secondary Education(812) 376-4469 -
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
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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!