New Albany Floyd County Schools, in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Indiana Department of Education, employs a comprehensive approach to identify and support high ability students. Our identification process incorporates various assessments, including the CogAT and IOWA Test assessments. These assessments are administered by licensed school personnel during regular school hours and serve as both universal screeners and achievement measures.

The CogAT, a culturally unbiased and pictorial-based aptitude measure, is utilized to ensure fair assessment of students’ abilities. The IOWA is an achievement test for students designed to measure proficiency in core academic areas. In conjunction with your child’s daily classroom performance and other assessments conducted by NAFCS, the results of these assessments will be carefully analyzed to determine the most suitable educational placement and experiences that cater to your child’s academic needs.

Our district is committed to providing tailored educational opportunities for high ability students. Students in Grades 2 and 3 (for placement in Grades 3 and 4) who score at or above the 80th percentile on the CogAT Screener are eligible to move forward in the identification process. These students are then given the opportunity to participate in additional high ability placement testing through the Iowa Assessment.

Students who achieve scores at or above the 90th percentile on the Iowa Assessment in both English/Language Arts and Mathematics automatically qualify for placement in the High Ability Program located at Greenville Elementary, Grant Line Elementary, and Mt. Tabor Elementary beginning in the third grade.

Students who score at or above the 90th percentile in either English/Language Arts or Mathematics will receive accelerated and enriched instruction in their area of strength. These services are provided within their home elementary school alongside peers with similar academic abilities and represent an extension of the High Ability Program. The recommendation for placement in these programs is based on the aforementioned assessment results.

At NAFCS, we believe in nurturing the potential of high ability learners by offering a wide range of programs and curricular opportunities. Through these initiatives, we strive to provide high-level experiences in various areas, ensuring that each individual’s specific needs are addressed effectively. Whether it be advanced coursework, specialized projects, or enrichment activities, we create an environment that fosters the growth and development of high ability students.