Middle School Gifted Services Overview

At the middle school level, gifted services are provided in two areas. In the mathematical area, students who demonstrate competency based on a grade-level assessment may be accelerated one or more years. Placement is handled by the math department, and information gained from aptitude tests is given to math teachers to assist them in determining appropriate placement of students. Students do not need to take the Cognitive Abilities Test to be eligible for gifted services in math.

In the area of Language Arts, a student who is identified as gifted is recommended for one of three placement options. This recommendation is based on information from a variety of sources, including aptitude, achievement and performance tests, and classroom performance.

Students recommended for “Regular Classroom Differentiation” are placed in a class with students at varying ability levels, and the teacher provides opportunities for differentiated learning based on demonstrated performance in that class.

Students recommended for placement in a “Classroom Cluster” are placed in a class with approximately 6-10 other students who demonstrate similar ability. The rest of this class is of mixed-ability levels. This class is taught by the gifted specialist, who is responsible for providing differentiated learning opportunities based on demonstrated performance in the classroom.

Students recommended for placement in a “Cluster Classroom” are placed in a class that is taught by the gifted specialist. The focus of this class is to move students beyond proficiency in the grade level measurement topics with major focus on critical reading skills as well as writing.

Students entering Catalina Foothills School District will need to be tested (or retested) in order to be eligible for gifted services in Language Arts. Students without an aptitude score from a state-approved test, such as the Cognitive Abilities Test, will not be considered for placement. The only exception to this is if a student has taken the CogAT within the last year. Students may only take the CogAT once every two years.

Because placement recommendations are based on multiple data sources, students who qualify for services in Language Arts based on their CogAT scores alone will be recommended for placement in a gifted “Classroom Cluster” pending completion of the balance of information needed in the student profile. If parents have other data, such as standardized test scores or anecdotal information from previous teachers, this can often be used to assist in the placement process.

If you are interested in having your student tested, please fill out and submit the attached Student Data Form, which includes permission for testing. Testing will be offered on Thursday, August 13 from 2:30 to approximately 4:15.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Brian Bindschadler by phone or e-mail.

Brian Bindschadler: Gifted Specialist, Orange Grove Middle SchoolPhone: 209-8246

E-Mail: bbindschadler@cfsd16.org