Testing Process

MVCSC uses a multi-tiered model to assist in the appropriate identification of High Ability students. Students can be identified either by exceptional cognitive potential or outstanding achievement in math or reading. Currently, all students K-8 are given the NWEA assessment three times per year. This norm-referenced test provides detailed progress scores for students in the fall, winter, and spring. Students in grades 2-8 that score at the 96th percentile or above in math, reading (or both) on two of the three assessments of the year are considered automatic qualifiers in that subject area. Students in grades K-1 take an assessment that is read aloud to them and therefore the score requirement is at or above the 98th percentile. All students in grades K, 2 and 4 are screened with CogAT, a cognitive abilities assessment, in the spring of the current school year. Students in all other grade levels that score above the 85th percentile on the NWEA are provided the opportunity to take this online CogAT screener, with additional consideration given to students that demonstrate high ability learner characteristics based on teacher observations. This short, three section assessment/screener is a nationally and locally normed test of aptitude. Students that score in the 80% or above on the screener will continue with the CogAT post screener in order to get a full understanding of cognitive potential. 
 

MVCSC High Ability Mission Statement

Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation will provide appropriate support and guidance to all identified high ability students, as well as educational experiences according to their academic ability.  We recognize that high ability students are found in all racial, cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic populations. We are committed to an educational program that provides a challenging, differentiated curriculum through a wide range of services to all of our high ability students.
 

MVCSC Definition of High Ability

A High Ability student is one who performs at, or shows the potential for performing at, an outstanding level of accomplishment in at least one designated domain when compared to other students of the same age, experience, or environment; and is characterized by exceptional gifts, talents, motivation or interests (Indiana Code: IC-20-36-1-3).  The current domain focus for MVCSC is Math and Language Arts in K-12. The designations for students with high ability in Language Arts (HA-LA), high ability math (HA-Math) and who have high ability in both language arts and math (HA-GI).
 

Below are flow charts of Identification: