Gifted students are defined in the Ohio Revised Code (3324.01) as those who perform or show potential for performing at exceptionally high levels compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment.

The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) explains giftedness as:

“Giftedness, intelligence, and talent are fluid concepts and may look different across contexts and cultures. Even within schools, beliefs about the term ‘gifted’ can vary widely. Gifted children may develop asynchronously—their minds may be ahead of their physical growth, and their cognitive and social-emotional skills may develop unevenly. Some students with exceptional potential may not demonstrate high achievement due to limited opportunities, learning differences, or other challenges. Schools have a responsibility to provide optimal educational experiences to help all gifted children reach their full potential for the benefit of both the individual and the community.”
 

Ohio public schools (excluding community schools) are required to identify gifted students in grades K–12. Students may be identified in one or more of these categories:

• Superior cognitive ability
• Specific academic ability in math, science, social studies, reading, or writing

Identification is based on scores from approved performance assessments and nationally normed tests. Miami Trace also honors qualifying scores from approved assessments administered within the last 24 months by a licensed school or private psychologist.

Once a student is identified as gifted in one Ohio public school, they are recognized as gifted in any other Ohio public school. Parents should ensure that the previous district transfers gifted identification records to Miami Trace when moving.
 

Parents, teachers, and students may request that a child be screened for giftedness. This is called a referral. Testing windows are:

• September 1 – September 30
• January 1 – January 31

Assessment will be completed within 90 days of referral. To refer a child, complete the Miami Trace Referral Form and submit it to:

Susie Berry, Gifted Program Coordinator
sberry@mtpanthers.org

While Ohio requires districts to identify gifted students, providing services is optional. Miami Trace offers a continuum of services to meet the diverse learning needs of gifted students, including:

• Advanced courses and differentiated instruction in regular classrooms
• Support from a Gifted Intervention Specialist
• Advanced Placement (AP) courses
• College Credit Plus (CCP) courses
• Whole-grade and subject-area acceleration
• Early Entrance to Kindergarten

All gifted services are guided by a Written Education Plan (WEP). The WEP outlines:

• Services provided
• Responsible staff
• Learning goals and evaluation methods
• Review and revision schedule

Parents and teachers receive a copy of the WEP. High school students may benefit from AP and CCP programs, which allow students to earn high school and college credit simultaneously. Guidance counselors provide information on on-campus and off-campus CCP options.

For detailed information on gifted services at Miami Trace, see the Miami Trace District Gifted Parent Guide.

Susie Berry, Gifted Program Coordinator, is your primary contact for:

• Gifted services
• Identification procedures
• Written Education Plans (WEPs)
• Teacher professional development for gifted education

If you have concerns about gifted screening or placement, you may appeal decisions by contacting the Gifted Coordinator for guidance on local appeals procedures. See contact information at the top of the webpage.
 

Ohio Department of Education

Search terms for key pages:

• Gifted Operating Standards: gifted operating standards
• Academic Acceleration for Advanced Learners: acceleration
• Identification: Who is Gifted in Ohio?: gifted law
• Written Education Plans (WEPs) for Gifted Students: WEP
• Complaint Procedures for Gifted Education: complaints

Other Useful Sites:

• Ohio Association for Gifted Children:
• National Association for Gifted Children
• National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented
• Midwest Talent Search – Center for Talent Development
• Belin-Blank Center