Primary Talent Pool (PTP)

The state of Kentucky defines Primary Talent Pool (PTP) as "a group of students who possess demonstrated or potential ability to perform at exceptionally high levels in the primary years (grades K-3)." These students may be referred to as high-potential learners. High potential learners are defined as students who learn and comprehend at a faster pace and more complex level than their age peers. These students often acquire skills earlier and progress at an accelerated rate. The purpose of selecting students to participate in a PTP is to provide early interventions for those students whose talents must be nurtured in order for those talents to fully develop.

A minimum of four criteria is required as evidence that students should participate in the Oldham County Schools' PTP. Informal and formal evidence is gathered by teachers and other school staff, gifted personnel, and parents. The evidence is then reviewed by the school’s Primary Review Committee and a decision is made regarding inclusion. Specifically, four of the following pieces of evidence are needed for placement in PTP:

• Primary portfolio (collection of evidence demonstrating student performance)
• Inventory checklists
• Parent interview or questionnaire
• Available formal test data
• Anecdotal records
• Primary review committee recommendation (required)
• Previous PTP/GT identification in another state

Students are selected for PTP in the fall and spring of each school year. A kindergarten screening process combined with a nomination process for first, a second and third grade student ensure a continuous, on-going review and provides multiple entry points into the PTP.

Once identified for PTP, the classroom teacher is primarily responsible for seeing that the individual needs of every student are met through differentiated instructional practices. The school counselor, GATES Coordinator, and GATES Resource Teacher are available to help with strategies and resources. 

Regardless of whether a student is or is not in Primary Talent Pool in no way indicates whether he/she will be identified for gifted and talented services in fourth grade. All students considered for gifted and talented educational services must be formally identified using multiple criteria different from those used for Primary Talent Pool.