The brains and beauty of it all.

While a student must be achieving above grade level to be considered for this program, that's really just the beginning. The Challenge Program at Jackson is available to students in the 2nd through 5th grades who are invited to participate based on their out-of-the-box thinking, creative approaches to tasks, critical assessments, problem solving capabilities and ability to meet certain eligibility requirements. And, let's not forget maturity level and desire, because these students are not only expected to keep up on a daily basis with their Challenge workload, but their primary class assignments as well. They've got double duty, so to speak. But then, they're the kids that can handle it.

The real beauty of this supplemental instructional program is that it inspires students to go beyond the common thresholds of learning, and feel comfortable doing so. They strive and they achieve, thanks to an innovative program designed by specially-certified Challenge teachers. The Challenge teachers also collaborate with a child’s primary teacher to ensure each student receives ample support to meet expectations in both arenas, as children are pulled from regular instruction to attend Challenge classes each day.

And now a challenge for our readers…..please review all of the parameters associated with the program, as outlined by Atlanta Public Schools:

Eligibility for inclusion in the Challenge program is based on multiple criteria:

• Mental Ability  -  measured by IQ; must be 96th percentile or higher
• Achievement  -  measured by a standardized, nationally normed achievement test; must be 90th percentile or higher in total reading or total math
• Motivation  -  measured by grade point average in grades 3-12 and the Renzulli-Hartman Motivation Instrument, or the Motivator, a structured performance instrument, in grades 1-2
• Creativity - measured by the Torrence Test of Creativity

Students must meet eligibility requirements in any 3 of the 4 above categories provided that a minimum mental ability score is achieved.

JACKSON GIFTED INDENTIFICATION PROCESS

Step 1       
Teachers observe students in their classrooms, looking for observable gifted behaviors such as problem solving ability, communication skills, insight, and reasoning strategies.  Students who consistently demonstrate these behaviors are possible candidates for the Challenge program.  Teachers review any standardized test data available.  Once teachers have accumulated enough data to substantiate their recommendation, they refer students to the Gifted Eligibility Team, made up of the Challenge teachers and other gifted certified staff in the building.  Recommendation for testing can be made by parents or other teachers in the school as well as by classroom teachers.

Step 2
The Eligibility Team reviews each referral.  All relevant information is discussed in terms of its appropriateness for possible inclusion in the gifted program.  The student's grades, and work samples are analyzed.  The student's motivation to produce high quality assignments and take on additional academic responsibilities is an important component in determining a student's readiness.  A request for additional documentation is often made here.  

Step 3
Parents are asked to sign permission for their child to be tested for possible inclusion in Challenge.  The testing consists of a standard mental ability test such as the OLSAT or the COGAT.  Students testing in the fall may be eligible for placement 2nd semester, while those tested in winter/spring may be eligible for placement the following school year. Students may be tested only every other year, based on general testing protocols.

Step 4
In addition to the mental ability and achievement tests, data is gathered in the areas of creativity and motivation.  The Torrence Test of Creativity is used to measure creativity, with a score of 90% or higher needed for eligibility.  In limited cases, a school generated product of exceptional creativity may become an added piece of data.  We use a student's grade point average to measure motivation in the upper grades, with a 3.5 grade point average calculated from a student's core subjects over the previous two years' report cards required for eligibility and for a student's continuation in the program once eligible.  In the lower grades, the Renzulli-Hartman Motivation Instrument is used.

Step 5
Once mental ability test results are returned, the Eligibility Team meets to review test data and make eligibility decisions.  Those decisions will place students in one of three categories.

- Category 1   Students who have scored at or above the 96th percentile on the mental ability instrument and have met the eligibility requirement for at least two of the other criteria will be recommended for program placement.
- Category 2    Students who do not have qualifying mental ability scores, but have scored above minimum standards, will have data from the other three criteria considered.  If they meet eligibility in the other three categories, they may be recommended for program placement.
- Category 3   Students who do not have qualifying mental ability scores and are below the minimum ability requirement for inclusion in the program will not be recommended for program placement at this time.

If a student has been before the team and been tested by the school system for inclusion in the Challenge program, but did not have a qualifying mental ability score, outside data may be submitted.  Only data from a licensed psychologist can be considered.  Outside data can be used for eligibility in only one of the four categories under consideration.

Outside data does not supplant school system scores, nor does it necessarily speed up the evaluation process.  Students are still required to take the system's mental ability assessment.  Parents choosing to submit outside psychological evaluations must adhere to the school system's time schedule for gathering information.  Outside assessment information must be submitted by the end of November to be considered in the Fall process, and by the end of April for the Winter/Spring cycle.  

Step 6
All parents will be notified in writing of eligibility decisions.  Those students who are to be placed in the Challenge program must have a signed Consent for Placement form on file.