These elements are considered for program admission at each level as part of the student identification process.

STUDENT IDENTIFICATION IN GRADES 4 & 5

Core Data

• Mathematics 
  
  • Average of two most recent years of FAST Math scores in GT range (90%ile and higher)
  • Previous year's Math quarterly grades
• Reading
  
  • Average of two most recent years of FAST Reading scores in GT range (90%ile and higher)
  • Previous year's Reading and Writing quarterly grades

Supplementary Data (for both Math & Reading)

• Developmental Reading Assessment (+2 Grade levels) for reading
• Work Samples from relevant subject area
• Previously identified as an HP student
• Outside Data (for students transferring into the district)
• CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) 

MCA scores are not used as a key indicator for services per the recommended Minnesota Department of Education's Equitable Identification practices, as MCA tests are designed to assess the teacher/curriculum’s ability to meet grade level standards, not the students’ potential giftedness. Additionally, when looking at student percentile scores, Shakopee uses national normed scores as well as local building data for a more accurate representation of our local population.

No formal HP programming occurs at these grade levels.