Understanding Talent Area Identification
Students can be identified in talent domains, including creative and productive thinking, leadership and specific talent aptitudes. This type of identification requires the examination of a robust body of evidence, including a variety of instruments and multiple pathways. Categories students can be identified in are as follows:
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theatre/drama
- visual arts
- psychomotor
- music
- dance
- creativity
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leadership
It is important educators understand the unique and varied characteristics a student may demonstrate in the talent domains. Within these areas, several years of talent development may be needed before formal gifted identification can be made. Students may be included in a talent development pool to foster potential over time. The student may require further development to build a body of evidence that supports identification.
Students can be nominated for identification in a talent area by first speaking with the Gifted Education Facilitator at the child's school. The child can be nominated by a teacher, specialist, parent, community member, or the child may nominate him or herself.
How are Students Identified?
APS Gifted and Talented juries identify students in the talent domains at different times throughout the year. Juries will review portfolios and assess performances using normed rubrics. Only students who have been tested by their schools using the Scales for Identifying Gifted Students (SIGS) or Haroutounian Observation Scales and received a 95th percentile or above score will be invited to juries.
More information on talent area identification can be obtained from the Colorado Department of Education, or from the GT Facilitator at your child's school.