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: reading/writing, mathematics, science, and social studies;
• Creative thinking ability; and
• Visual and performing arts ability.

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 a qualifying score on an approved checklist of creative behaviors or creativity test.

Visual and Performing Arts Ability: Districts shall identify students as gifted in the area of visual and 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 a qualifying score on an approved checklist of behaviors related to a specific arts area.

During the 2025-26 school year, whole grade gifted screening will occur in compliance with the Operating Standards for Identifying and Serving Students Who Are Gifted (July 2025).

Fourth grade testing will occur October 6th-7th, 2025.  The InView Cognitive Ability Test will be used.

Second grade testing will occur January 12th-15th, 2026. The Terra Nova Achievement Tests will be used to screen for giftedness in the areas of reading and math.  The InView Cognitive Ability Test will also be used.  

Medina City Schools employs STAR Reading and STAR Math assessments to monitor student progress. Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, both assessments will be officially approved for gifted identification, starting in third grade for STAR Reading and second grade for STAR Math.

An explanation letter will accompany student results when they are sent home.  More in-depth information is available in the slide show Terra Nova and InView results explained.

Testing for gifted identification is offered in the fall and spring to address parent, student and teacher requests.

Fall testing will be performed in November.  Please submit all three forms by October 15th.  Spring testing will be performed in March.  Please submit all three forms by February 15th.

1. Parent/Student Referral form   OR Teacher Referral Form (for teachers making a referral)
2. Inventory form 
3. Permission for Assessment form

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