- Southside Elementary School
- High Ability
HIGH ABILITY
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Since 1981, BCSC has been providing opportunities for high ability learners. On this website you will find information about several options for students. You can also learn more about the identification process, high ability programming, and important dates regarding testing and meetings.
Goals of High Ability Instruction
- To develop in the students, their academic skills and higher level thinking skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation through an accelerated and enriched program. This is accomplished by:
-emphasizing higher level thinking skills and problem solving
-open-ended questions and activities
-collaboration, group interaction
-multi-disciplinary approach
-student choices
-study skills - organization, research and questioning strategies- 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.
- 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.
- A self-contained high ability elementary program for grades four through six is available for students identified as high ability learners in both categories. There are programs located at Parkside and Southside that provide students with the opportunity to be in a self-contained classroom with other high ability learners.
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.usAccording 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 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: Wendy Foster
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 -
Testing and Identification
No current 5th grade student may test in June for placement into the 6th grade High Ability ProgramTesting ProcessBCSC administers two different types of tests to assist our Identification Committee in identifying high ability students. The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) tests a students potential abilities in English/Language Arts and math. The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) tests a student's knowledge of reading and math.GuidelinesKindergarten TestingKindergarten students will be tested in the spring using the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). This test will identify potential indicators for high ability in math and English/language arts.Testing for Identification in Elementary 4-6 Grade High Ability ProgramCurrent BCSC Students- test fall of their 3rd grade year
- may retest one (1) time during an open testing session offered between June prior to their 4th grade year and January of their 5th grade year
- current 5th grade students may NOT test in the summer before their 6th grade year
- May test two (2) times* during an open testing session offered between June prior to their 4th grade year and January of their 5th grade year
* exception - a student that moves into the district during their 3rd grade year, but after the fall testing, may test during January open testing of their 3rd grade year and still retest one (1) more time
Non-BCSC Students- May tests two (2) times during an open testing session offered between January of their 3rd grade year and January of their 5th grade year
- There is a $25 charge to take the High Ability Test. Cash or check made out to: BCSC Fund 2949
Testing for Identification in Middle School 7-8 Grade High Ability ProgramCurrent BCSC Students- test fall of their 6th grade year
- may retest one (1) time during an open testing session office between June prior to their 7th grade year and June prior to their 8th grade year
Move-Ins After 6th Grade Fall Testing
- may test two (2) times* during open testing sessions offered between June prior to their 7th grade year and June prior to their 8th grade year
*exception - a student that moves into the district during their 6th grade year, but after fall testing, may test during January open testing of their 6th grade year and still retest one (1) more time
Non-BCSC Student (students not attending a BCSC school)- may test two (2) times during an open testing session offered between January of their 6th grade year and June prior to their 8th grade year
- there is a $25 charge to take the High Ability Tests. Cash or check made out to: BCSC Fund 2949
Identification ProcessBCSC follows 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."For High Ability Identification in Math:- Through Potential - scoring in the 96th percentile or above on the CogAT in quantitative reasoning or in a composite measure of quantitative/nonverbal reasoning
- Through Performance - if a student scores in the 94th - 95th percentile on the CogAT, then the ITBS math section score is reviewed. If that score is above the 96th percentile, then the student will be identified
- Through additional information - portfolio
- Through Potential - scoring in the 96th percentile or above on the CogAT in verbal reasoning
- Through Performance - if a student scores in the 94th - 95th percentile on the CogAT, then the ITBS E/LA section score is reviewed. If that score is above the 96th percentile, then the student will be identified
- Through additional information - portfolio
Each student scoring in the 85th - 95th percentile on the CogAT will have a portfolio compiled. The portfolio will contain: test scores, a writing sample, an open ended math problem and a teacher rating scale/recommendation. The Identification Committee, made up of teachers, school counselors and school administrators, will evaluate each student's portfolio. The student will either not be identified, be identified as High Ability in math and English/language arts, be identified as High Ability in math only or be identified as High Ability in English/language arts only.Students identified as High Ability in both math & ELA will be offered placement in the Self-Contained High Ability Program - also known as the Academic Challenge (AC) Program. Students identified as E/LA only or Math only will be offered high ability services at their home school. All students who participated in any of the testing will be notified by mail. All students that test in the Fall or January will receive their notification letter prior to spring break. Students that test in June will receive their letter by July 31.Appeals ProcessAll students may appeal the Identification Committee's decision. If you wish to appeal, you will need to visit the BCSC website and locate and fill out the appeal form. The Appeals Committee, made up of teachers, school counselors and administrators, will re-evaluate the student's portfolio. They will either grant the appeal and change the identification, deny the appeal or schedule an interview with the student. If your child is identified as High Ability in both E/LA & Math, they will be offered placement in the Self-Contained High Ability Program - also known as the AC Program. If your appeal is denied, the decision making process ends for that student.If an interview is granted, the Interview Committee, made up of teachers, school counselors and administrators, will meet with the student for an informal interview. The student does not need to bring anything to the interview. After the interview, the committee will either uphold the Identification Committee's decision or the student will be identified as High Ability in both English/Language Arts and Math, High Ability in English/Language Arts only or High Ability in Math only. Students identified as High Ability in both math and ELA will be offered placement in the Self-Contained High Ability Program - also known as the AC Program. This ends the decision making process for the student.If you would like more information or if you have any questions, please contact the High Ability Coordinator by email fosterwe@bcsc.k12.in.us or phone (812) 314-3843 -
Open Testing
Open testing is offered twice a year in January and in June. Open testing is held in the Terrace Room in the basement of the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation Administration Building.
January Test DatesThis testing is for new BCSC students who missed the November 2019 High Ability Testing & non-BCSC students in Grades 3-7.Students currently in grades 4, 5, or 7 may retest during these dates.Students must register for CogAT and ITBS on the registration form.There will be a $25 charge for non-BCSC students.Bring cash or check made out to BCSC Fund 2949 to testing.January 15-16, 2020January 22-23, 2020Registration for these dates will open on December 9.June Test DatesThis testing is for new BCSC students who missed the November 2019 High Ability Testing & non-BCSC students in Grades 3-7.Students entering grades 4, 5, or 7 may retest during these dates.Current BSCS and non-BCSC students must register for both tests.There will be a $25 charge for non-BCSC students.Bring cash or check made out to BCSC Fund 2949 to testing.Incoming 6th graders can NOT test in June.June 8-9 and June 11, 2020Registration for these dates is not open.Registration for open testing will open one (1) month before testing takes place and will remain open for at least 28 days or 4 weeks. Current 5th grade students can not test during summer testing.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
- 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: June 12, 2018
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!
