Assessment data is reviewed by our Ascent team to identify gifted and talented students. The team uses a body of evidence (BOE) which considers different data points over time upon which to base the determination. The evidence includes identification assessment results, parental input and multiple types of measures and data sources.

The review team examines the body of evidence and may make one or more of the following determinations:

• Move to formal gifted identification

• Identify student for a talent pool*

• Select new tools to collect additional data

• Determine data does not support identification at this time

• Determine a student may need to be referred for special education assessment in addition to his/her gifted identification (twice-exceptional students)

*A talent pool is defined as a group of students who demonstrate an advanced or even exceptional ability in a particular area, but at this time do not meet the criteria for gifted identification. Often students in a talent pool are provided advanced or gifted programming services. As students are presented with additional levels of challenge and rigor, increased achievement may occur. A student may meet the criteria for gifted identification at a later date.

Portability: ASD follows the Colorado Department of Education guidelines for portability. Therefore, a student's state approved identification in one or more categories of giftedness will transfer to our district according to the Exceptional Children's Education Act (ECEA).