Ohio defines a student who is gifted as one who “performs or shows potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment” (Ohio Revised Code 3324.01).
Public school districts (city, local, and exempted village) are required to identify students in grades K-12 for gifted identification in the following areas:
- Superior cognitive ability;
- Specific academic ability: mathematics, reading/writing, science, and social studies;
- Creative thinking ability; and
- Visual or performing arts ability: dance, drama, music, and visual arts.
Criteria for Identification by Ability Area
Superior Cognitive Ability: Districts shall identify students as gifted in the area of superior cognitive ability when a student accomplishes any of the following: scores two standard deviations above the mean, minus the standard error of measurement, on an approved intelligence test; performs at or above the ninety-fifth percentile on an approved composite battery of a nationally normed achievement test; or attains an approved score on an approved nationally-normed above grade level achievement test.
Specific Academic Ability: Districts shall identify students as gifted in the area of specific academic ability when a student performs at or above the ninety-fifth percentile in a specific academic ability field on an approved nationally-normed achievement test.
Creative Thinking Ability: Districts shall identify students as gifted in the area of creative thinking ability when a student scores one standard deviation above the mean, minus the standard error of measure, on an approved intelligence test and also attains either a qualifying score on an approved checklist of creative behaviors or a qualifying score on an approved creativity test.
Visual or Performing Arts Ability: Districts shall identify students as gifted in the area of visual or performing arts ability when a student demonstrates superior ability in a visual or performing arts area through a display of work, an audition, or other performance or exhibition and also obtains a qualifying score on an approved checklist of behaviors related to a specific arts area.