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Gifted

Gifted Education

Susquehanna Community School District is dedicated to supporting students who qualify for gifted education through a thorough multidisciplinary evaluation process.

Referral Process

School staff may refer a student to the Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTII) team if the student shows high academic performance or potential. The team considers classroom assessments, academic progress, skill development, and overall performance to determine whether a gifted screening or evaluation is appropriate.

The district uses two tools:

  • Gifted Screening Matrix – considers PSSA scores (if applicable), classroom performance, brief intelligence testing, and teacher input.
  • Gifted Identification Matrix – used during the full evaluation phase.

Students must meet a minimum score on the screening matrix to move forward. If an evaluation is recommended, parents will receive a Permission to Evaluate form. Signed consent is required before any evaluation can begin.

The gifted evaluation includes:

  • Classroom performance
  • Standardized ability and achievement testing
  • Teacher feedback on gifted rating and skill acquisition/retention scales

Student performance is evaluated using weighted scores from both matrices. Eligibility is based on multiple criteria.

How to Request a Gifted Evaluation

If you believe your child may qualify for gifted education, please contact the special education office to speak with:

Elizabeth Shivock
Special Education Supervisor
(570) 853-4921 x1335

 

Student Privacy and Records

All gifted screenings and evaluations involve personally identifiable information. This becomes part of the student’s official school record and is protected under the district’s Confidentiality of Special Education Student Information Policy (113.5).

Gifted Education Services

Gifted programs are personalized to each eligible student’s needs. Services may include:

  • Enrichment opportunities
  • Academic acceleration
  • 1:1 or small group instruction
  • Extension activities within the general education classroom

For More Information

If you have questions about gifted education or the evaluation process, please contact:

Elizabeth Shivock
Special Education Supervisor
(570) 853-4921 x1335