Gifted Education

Amherst Exempted Village Schools is committed to recognizing and nurturing the unique strengths and potential of gifted learners. Through specialized instruction, advanced learning opportunities, and a continuum of gifted services, the district strives to ensure that gifted students are appropriately challenged and supported throughout their educational journey.

Gifted Identification
Ohio law requires school districts to identify students in the areas of superior cognitive ability and specific academic ability in mathematics and reading. Amherst also identifies students in the areas of creative thinking and visual arts. Students may be identified through whole-grade screening assessments, parent or teacher referrals, self-referrals, transfer records, or approved outside assessments.

Screening & Assessment
The district conducts universal gifted screenings using state-approved assessments. Students in Grades 2–8 are screened for gifted identification in reading and mathematics through NWEA MAP Growth assessments, while all second and fifth grade students participate in whole-grade screening for superior cognitive ability using the NNAT-3. Families may also request gifted evaluations during the district's fall and spring referral windows.

Gifted Services
Gifted services are designed to provide appropriately challenging learning experiences that extend beyond the general education curriculum. Depending on a student's identified area(s) of giftedness and grade level, services may include cluster grouping, differentiated instruction, honors coursework, accelerated mathematics, Advanced Placement (AP), College Credit Plus (CCP), and other advanced learning opportunities. All students receiving gifted services have an annual Written Education Plan (WEP) that outlines instructional goals and services.

Academic Acceleration
For students whose educational needs exceed the opportunities available at their current grade level, Amherst offers both whole-grade and single-subject acceleration. Acceleration decisions are based on multiple measures of academic achievement, cognitive ability, social-emotional readiness, and input from families and educators to ensure each placement is appropriate for the individual student.

Resources for Families
This page includes information about gifted identification, screening procedures, acceleration, Written Education Plans (WEPs), service models, referral processes, and additional resources to help families understand gifted education in Amherst Exempted Village Schools. Families are encouraged to partner with the district throughout the identification and educational planning process to support each student's continued growth and success.

Resources