Identification Process

Botetourt County Public Schools will refer, assess, and identify students for services in a fair and unbiased manner. 


  • Kingore Evaluation lessons are used in lower elementary classrooms (K-2)
  • In 2018, BCPS began using a universal screening tool, NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test). All second-grade students are screened during the fall of each school year.
  • After screening, identified students will be assessed using a variety of tests and rating scales (ability, achievement, and parent/teacher rating scales).
  • Students are identified if they have three qualifying scores at or above the 95th percentile (with at least one of the scores being from an ability assessment).

Any school personnel, parent, guardian, student peer, community member, or self may refer a student for an evaluation for gifted identification.  The person initiating the request for referral may take part in a conference with the gifted resource teacher to discuss the basis for the referral and the unique characteristics of the student being referred.  The gifted resource teacher will explain the identification process as well as the division’s operational definition of gifted. If the referring source determines it is appropriate to refer the student for an evaluation, the gifted resource teacher will have the referring source complete the Referral for Evaluation form.  


Botetourt County Public Schools' chosen measures are designed to seek out those students with superior aptitudes, including those for whom accurate identification may be affected because they are economically disadvantaged, have limited English proficiency, or have a disability.


All Referral for Evaluation forms are submitted to the Gifted Education Coordinator.  Forms can be submitted in person, electronically, or by mail. These are to be submitted according to submission dates defined for the school year.  Each year, submission dates will be established based on the school year calendar, with one at the beginning of the first semester and one at the beginning of the second semester.  The submission dates will be posted on the gifted education program website.



Gifted Referral Dates for the 2023-2024 School Year:

Deadline: November 3, 2023

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