Gifted Identification & Testing
Mason City Schools is committed to identifying students who demonstrate gifted ability and ensuring that their learning needs are appropriately supported. Gifted identification is determined using assessment criteria established by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
Once a student is identified as having gifted ability in an area, that status remains permanently. Students never need to retest to maintain their identification.
— Ohio Revised Code § 3324.03
Ohio Areas of Gifted Identification
Select a category below to view specific state criteria.
Superior Cognitive Ability
Qualifying Score: Standard Score ~127–128+
Under Ohio Law, a student is identified as having superior cognitive ability if they score at least two standard deviations above the mean, minus the standard error of measurement, on an approved standardized intelligence or cognitive test (such as the CogAT, InView, or WISC).
Key Characteristics
Rapid learning pace, high-level abstract reasoning, complex problem-solving abilities, and advanced analytical thinking.
Mason Assessment
Evaluated through automatic whole-grade screening in Grades 2 & 4, or through designated parent-requested windows.
Specific Academic Ability
Qualifying Score: ≥ 95th Percentile
A student is identified with specific academic ability if they perform at or above the 95th national percentile rank on an approved nationally normed standardized achievement assessment in one or more disciplines: Reading/Writing, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies.
Eligible Disciplines
Identifications are designated separately for Mathematics, Reading/Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
Subject Independence
A student may be identified in a single subject area or in multiple subjects simultaneously without requiring superior cognitive identification.
Creative Thinking Ability
Dual Criteria Pathway
Identification requires a dual pathway: (1) scoring one standard deviation above the mean on an approved intelligence test, AND (2) attaining a qualifying score on an approved checklist or test of creative ability.
Distinctive Attributes
Exceptional originality, ideational fluency, non-traditional problem approaches, and intellectual risk-taking.
Evaluation Method
Combines standardized cognitive screener data with standardized creative behavioral rating scales completed by educators.
Visual & Performing Arts Ability
Audition / Portfolio Standard
Identification is granted to students demonstrating superior ability in Visual Arts, Music, Dance, or Drama through an approved performance, display of original work, or audition, combined with a qualifying score on an approved behavioral checklist.
Disciplines Evaluated
Separate pathways for Visual Art (drawing, painting, sculpture), Instrumental/Vocal Music, Dance, and Dramatic performance.
State-Approved Rubrics
Evaluated by trained arts educators utilizing standardized state-approved scoring rubrics during dedicated windows.
Two Testing Opportunities
Families may request assessment for gifted identification up to two times per student, per school year. Whole grade screening counts as one of these opportunities.
Whole-Grade Screening
Grades 2 & 4 participate in automatic whole-grade testing. No registration is required for these winter windows.
Ready to Request Assessment?
Parent-Requested Registration
Please submit your request prior to the firm registration deadlines to allow proper scheduling. Students in non-screening grades must register to participate.
Register for Testing2026–2027 Testing Schedules
Whole-Grade Testing
Automatic Participation — No Registration Needed
| Grade Level | Testing Dates |
|---|---|
| Grade 2 | December 8–10, 2026 |
| Grade 4 | December 1–3, 2026 |
Parent-Requested Testing
Registration Required
| Grade | Winter Window | Spring Window |
|---|---|---|
| K | Dec 8–10, 2026 | Mar 30–Apr 1, 2027 |
| 1 | Oct 27–29, 2026 | Apr 19–21, 2027 |
| 3 | Dec 7–8, 2026 | Mar 30–31, 2027 |
| 5–6 | Dec 8–9, 2026 | Mar 30–31, 2027 |
Thinking About Requesting?
- What it measures: Cognitive testing provides insight into how a student thinks, reasons, and solves problems.
- Stability over time: Because cognitive abilities remain generally stable, repeated testing within a short window rarely yields significantly different results.
- No Guarantees: Testing does not guarantee gifted identification or automatic placement in specific gifted services.
What to Expect During Testing
- During School Hours: Assessments occur during the regular school day across 2–3 short daily sessions.
- Confirmation Required: Families requesting testing will receive confirmation paperwork prior to testing.
- Attendance Matters: Students must attend all scheduled daily sessions to fully complete the assessment battery.
Grade-Level Guidance
Kindergarten
Testing takes place across multiple sessions during our half-day program. Services for superior cognitive identification begin in 1st grade.
Grades 1–2
Grade 1 students may participate during parent windows. All Grade 2 students take part in automatic whole-grade testing in December.
Grades 3–4
Grade 3 offers winter and spring windows. Grade 4 undergoes whole-grade testing in December, leaving one parent-requested option.
Grades 5–6
Students in Grades 5 and 6 may test during winter or spring parent-requested windows across multiple sessions.
Grades 7–12 Guidance
Secondary Services Note
Beginning in 7th grade, Mason’s gifted service model transitions. Students gain access to advanced coursework (Honors, AP, and Advanced classes) based on course selection and placement procedures—a superior cognitive gifted identification is NOT required to enroll in these courses.
Learn More About the Service ModelFrequently Asked Questions
How many times can my child participate in cognitive testing?
Students may participate in up to two cognitive testing opportunities during one school year. For students in Grades 2 and 4, Mason’s whole-grade cognitive assessment counts as one of those two opportunities.
My child has tested before. Can I request testing again?
Yes, as long as your child has another testing opportunity available during the current school year. However, because cognitive abilities are generally stable over time, families may want to consider whether additional testing is likely to yield new insights.
If my child is identified, will they automatically receive services?
Gifted identification helps determine appropriate supports. Gifted services in Mason are provided based on the student’s area of identification, grade level, and our Gifted Service Model. Services look different across grade levels.
Accessing Test Results
Families receive results after testing is fully completed, scored, and reviewed. Detailed reports indicating whether criteria were met are posted directly to MasonConnects.me.
To View Results:
Log in to Mason Connects → Click Students → Click your Student Card → Select Profile dropdown → Scroll down to Attachments.
Need technical login help? Email support@masonohioschools.com.