SEGA Program
Identification Process

Every individual should have opportunities to achieve the best that is in him/her. While every child is unique, he/she also shares some characteristics with many other children. For this reason and for the practical need of grouping for instruction the following criteria has been recommended for entrance into the SEGA program.

• A selection committee made up of the coordinator of gifted education, two gifted facilitators, a counselor, and principal review each student nomination. The identification process begins at the beginning of the second quarter. Testing for the program begins at the end of the second quarter and into the third quarter. The selection process for SEGA is completed during the spring of the school year. The students selected to participate in the program will be placed in SEGA at the beginning of the next school year for a one-year probationary period to assure that the program best fits the needs of the student.

To be considered for the SEGA program a student must:

• Have an individual intelligence test administered by a certified psychological examiner.
• Must qualify for the Francis Howell School District Spectra Program.
• Obtain a full scale IQ of 145 an approved individual intelligence test.
• Be recommended by the Spectra facilitator and current classroom teacher.
• Have achievement tests (SAT 9 or Terra Nova) scores in the 95%ile in the total core subject areas not just one single area.

Assessment instruments used in the identification process:

• Intellectual ability is measured using a Binet Intelligence Scale or a Wechsler instrument. A psychological examiner or psychologist administers testing.
• High academic ability is measured using an approved individual achievement test. A psychological examiner or psychologist must administer this test.
• Advanced abstract reasoning is measured using a test with gifted norms.
• The classroom teacher and the parents are asked to complete a written nomination form.
• Individual school interviews are conducted to inquire about the child’s personality and passion for learning.

Students transferring in the district:

Students transferring into Francis Howell that were active in the previous district’s gifted program will proceed through the selection process using the same criteria as Francis Howell Students. Testing data from the sending school may be used if it complies with Francis Howell’s assessment measures.

For students, who are transferring out of the district the following will be sent to the attending school:

• all testing results
• a copy of the testing write-ups
• program criteria

Identification:

• Students may be nominated for the program by parents, teachers, or administrators
• A student nominated for the program must have an approved individual intelligence test score of 145.
• A selection committee made up of the coordinator of gifted education, two gifted facilitators, a counselor, and principal review each student nomination.
• A parent conference is arranged for all of the candidates to discuss the program’s goals and objectives, testing process, and to answer any questions.
• For the testing process to begin parents will be sent a letter which explains the testing process and test that will be administered. The parents are asked to provide permission to test.
• After parental permission is received, students will be scheduled for testing. Either the Binet or Wechsler instruments will be the first test administered. Students who score below the approved score will not continue on in the evaluation process. The psychological examiner will complete a report and a conference may be set up with the parents to go over the results.
• Students with an approved IQ will be given an achievement test and a reasoning test.
• A parent meeting may be conducted. This gives the parents another opportunity to discuss questions and concerns about the program.
• Scores will be placed on a matrix to determine the qualifying points earned by the student.
• The selection committee will meet to go over each student’s testing data and file.
• Students who have high enough scores to qualify may be placed in the program on a probationary period of one year.
• Conferences with the parents are arranged by the coordinator of gifted education to discuss all of the testing results and placement decision by the selection committee. At that time the parents are given testing results and reports.
All test scores will be normed as per testing date. A committee will revise the matrix if state guidelines should change or current research indicates a need for revision.
A matrix cut off for placement will be established by the committee prior to the end of April and in compliance with the state guidelines. Students may be placed in the program at the beginning of the upcoming school year.

Private and Parochial students

Parochial and private school students within the district boundaries will proceed through the selection process using the same criteria as Francis Howell students for the SEGA program.
To be considered a candidate for the SEGA program:

• Have an individual intelligence test administered by a certified psychological examiner.
• Students to be considered for SEGA must qualify for the FHSD Spectra Program
• Obtain a Full Scale IQ of 145+ on an approved individual intelligence test.
• A recommendation from the Spectra facilitator and current classroom teacher.
• Achievement tests (SAT 9) must be in the 95%ile in the total test MAP results in the top quintile.

SEGA candidates will receive points on a matrix for the following:

• An approved score on identified intelligence measure for testing to continue.
• Reasoning measure using the Gifted Norms
• Advanced scores on an individually administered achievement test
• Classroom teacher nomination
• School interview
• Most current standardize achievement test