GATES: Frequently Asked Questions

The federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act defines gifted and talented students as “Students, children, or youth who give evidence of high achievement capability in areas such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who need services and activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to fully develop those capabilities.” [Title IX, Part A, Definition 22. (2002)]  

704 KAR 3:285 

In Kentucky KRS 157.200(1)(n) includes within the definition of "exceptional children" a category of "exceptional students" who are identified as possessing demonstrated or potential ability to perform at an exceptionally high level in general intellectual aptitude, specific academic aptitude, creative or divergent thinking, psychosocial or leadership skills, or in the visual or performing arts. 

There are five areas recognized by the state: general intellectual ability, specific academic ability, creativity, leadership and visual/performing arts.

The chart "Bright versus Gifted" provides an overview of the difference.

Making all "A's" isn't always an indicator of giftedness- it indicates hard work and motivation and other factors but not necessarily what is recognized as "giftedness."

No. The student must meet the identification requirements according to Kentucky's regulation. If a student has been identified in another state, any current evidence or qualifying test data may be used, but identification does not transfer from another state to KY.

No. The student must meet the identification requirements according to Kentucky's regulation. If a student has been identified in another state, any current evidence or qualifying test data may be used, but identification does not transfer from another state to KY.

 Yes. However, service options may need to be adjusted for those students coming from districts with less stringent qualifying criteria.

Kentucky recognizes five area(s) of giftedness: General Intellectual Ability (GIA); Specific Academic Ability (SAA); Creativity; Leadership; and Visual/Performing Arts.

In Kentucky, students cannot be formally identified until grade 4. Prior to grade 4, students who show indicators of giftedness are in a Primary Talent Pool, where they are monitored for possible identification in grade 4.

The student is first nominated by a staff member or parent. The building level coordinator begins gathering data on the student using the district guidelines. In many instances, assessments are administered to gather additional data about the student's abilities.

The building level GATES committees monitor nominated students and once they feel that the data collected meets the identifying criteria the student is sent to the district identification committee for review.

The district identification committee reviews student nominations and referrals, makes an identification decision and then notifies the parent and building level coordinator.

State regulation outlines criteria needed for identification for each area of giftedness. The district follows the state requirements for identification and uses a multiple criteria approach advocated by national standards, i.e. a mix of objective and subjective data.

Students are monitored in primary grades for possible formal identification in grade 4. The district also administers an assessment (CogAT) for all students in grades 3 and 6 in order to find students who may qualify for services. Building level coordinators and staff also monitor students and refer for identification on an on-going basis throughout the school year for all grade levels.

The length of the process for identification varies by child. Gathering the data required for identification requires time and thoroughness. Administering assessments, collecting work samples, gathering survey information, making observations can be a lengthy process. Best practice compels staff to be deliberate in the decision-making process- it is in the best interest of the child and all involved that the identification process has integrity.

Parents can contact the building level GATES coordinators to discuss their children's situation. Parents can opt to nominate their child for consideration. (To nominate a child, a parent can submit the appropriate forms to the building level GATES coordinator.)

No. State regulation requires that a review be conducted and that the criteria for formal identification be met.

Cluster grouping refers to the practice of intentionally scheduling four (4) or more identified students in a regular classroom.

This grouping structure allows teachers to more efficiently differentiate assignments for advanced learners and provides opportunities for advanced learners to work with others who have similar interests, needs and abilities.

Some of the district's schools use a variation on cluster grouping- they commonly use the term "accelerated class" to describe a classroom in which the pace and depth of instruction is altered to meet the needs of students.

Each school defines criteria for placement in accelerated classes.