The Indiana Department of Education requires school districts to identify high ability (gifted) students and provide them with appropriately differentiated curriculum and instruction. In ZCS, we reconsider ability and achievement data of all students each spring to identify any who may need further consideration for high ability identification. While the High Ability designation is a state-required label for students, our school district is committed to continuous progress for all students, regardless of designation. Accelerated content is common in our classrooms as are heightened expectations and instructional levels and high-achieving peers. Instructional methods regularly group and regroup students with differentiated materials and goals. Whether or not a child is identified as High Ability, our teachers are committed to regular assessment of skills and knowledge and matching experiences to challenge each child and help him or her make maximum academic growth. We are proud to be a high-performing school district with high expectations for all students.
For students currently in grades 1st, 2nd or 3rd: If a child is being included in the group of students being further considered for possible high ability identification, then his/her parents will receive an email from the High Ability Office by Friday, March 10th. If a child is not being further considered for possible identification, (i.e. no email has been received by Friday, 3/10), parents may also recommend him or her. To do so, the parents simply complete the Parent Observation Form available on the High Ability website under K-4 High Ability Forms here - and submit to the school counselor by not later than Thursday, March 30th. Students already identified as high ability learners continue with their current placement and do not need to requalify from year to year. If they are identified in only one area (language arts or math) and are being considered for identification in the other academic area, parents will receive notification by Friday, March 10th, that they are in the pool for consideration during the spring process. Parents with questions should contact their school counselor.
For students currently in grades 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th: If a child is being included in the group of students being further considered for possible high ability identification, then his/her parents will receive an email from the High Ability Office by Wednesday, March 1st. If a child is not identified for the next step in the process, (i.e. no email was received by Wed, March 1st), but parents feel strongly that he/she should have been, parents may also recommend him or her. To do so, the parents simply complete the Parent Nomination Form (available on the district website under Academics/High Ability -Gifted Program) – click here and submit to the address listed on the form by Friday, March 17th. Students already identified as high ability learners continue with their current placement and do not need to requalify from year to year. If they are identified in only one area (language arts or math) and are being considered for identification in the other academic area, parents will receive notification by Wednesday, March 1st, that they are in the pool for consideration during the spring process. Parents with questions should contact their school counselor.
