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Advanced Learning

Gifted Education Program 

The Cherokee County School District (CCSD) is dedicated to identifying, encouraging, elevating, and enriching our gifted and talented learners—academically, cognitively, and affectively. 

We recognize that gifted students have unique learning needs and thrive when challenged. That’s why we provide engaging, rigorous programs for students in grades 1–12 that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. 

Our gifted instruction emphasizes: 

  • Problem-based learning 

  • Real-world applications 

  • Critical and creative thinking 

  • Independent and inquiry-driven learning 

Students become eligible for services based on State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.38 through a multiple-criteria process that looks at mental ability, achievement, motivation, and creativity. 

Service Models:  

Gifted students in CCSD may receive services through one or more of the following models: 

  • Gifted Resource Class – Pull-out instruction with a gifted-certified teacher focusing on enrichment, creative problem-solving, and standards-based interdisciplinary units that extend beyond the regular curriculum.  

  • Cluster Grouping – Placement with a general education teacher trained in gifted education, with lessons differentiated for advanced learners. 

  • Advanced Content Classes – Students work in a specific subject area (such as math, science, or language arts) at a higher level. This might include more complex concepts, faster pacing, and opportunities for deeper exploration. 

  • Honors & Advanced Placement (AP) Courses – Students can take challenging courses that prepare them for college-level work and may earn college credit. 

Each school determines the service models that best meet its students’ needs. Contact your child’s school for details. 

Referrals: 

Students may be considered for gifted eligibility in two ways. 

  • Automatic Referrals: Districtwide assessments administered throughout the year are used as universal screeners. Students whose results meet established criteria are automatically reviewed for possible gifted testing. 
  • Reported Referrals: Any person with knowledge of a student’s abilities, such as a teacher, parent/guardian, counselor, or even the student themselves, may submit a referral. Once received, current academic and testing data are reviewed to decide if additional assessments are needed. Reported referrals must be submitted by the end of Semester 1 to be considered for the spring testing window. 

At each school, the Gifted Advocacy Council, a team of educators and administrators familiar with advanced learners, reviews all referrals along with student data. The council ensures that identification decisions are based on multiple measures, follow state guidelines, and fairly consider the needs of all students. 

Gifted Eligibility Process: 

The process of determining gifted eligibility can take several weeks or months. This is because gifted teachers, who also provide instruction to students already in the program, are responsible for conducting assessments. 

The timeline may be affected by factors such as the number of students being assessed, the grade levels involved, districtwide testing schedules, the time it takes to receive test results, and whether additional assessments are needed. 

Once all assessments are complete, each school’s Gifted Advocacy Council reviews the results and supporting documentation. The council ensures that decisions follow State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.38, are based on multiple measures, and reflect a careful, fair review for each student. 

Important related information:
• Data shall be gathered in each of the four assessment categories.
• At least one of the criteria must be met by a score on a nationally normed test.
• Any data used to establish eligibility in one category shall not be used to establish eligibility in another category.
• A rating scale may only be used to establish eligibility in one assessment category.
• Any test score used to establish eligibility shall be current within two years.
• The Advanced Learning department will only administer each specific standardized test once every two calendar years.
• Data generated from sources other than a Cherokee County School shall be considered when determining eligibility but 
does not automatically supplant school-generated data. Prior to establishing eligibility, any data from outside sources 
must be reviewed by the Cherokee County School District office of Academics and Accountability.

     Option A Option B      
Data Category Student must have a qualifying score in  the mental ability AND achievement  categories.
 		 Student must qualify in three of the four 
categories.
Mental Ability Grades K-2: 99th percentile complete  composite score or full-scale score on  a nationally-normed mental ability test.
Grades 3-11: ≥96th percentile complete  composite or full-scale score on a  nationally-normed mental ability test		 Grades K-11: ≥96th percentile on composite  or full-scale score OR ≥96th percentile on a 
component score of a nationally-normed mental ability test
Achievement   Grades K-11: ≥90th percentile in Total  Reading, Total Math, or Complete  Battery on a nationally-normed  achievement test. Grades K-11: ≥90th percentile in Total Reading, Total Math, or Complete Battery on a 
nationally-normed achievement test. 
Creativity Data gathered Grades K-11: ≥90th percentile on a gifted 
characteristics rating scale or nationally normed test of creative thinking 
OR
Grades K-5: Superior product/performance 
with a score of ≥90 on a scale of 1-100, as evaluated by a panel of three or more  qualified evaluators
Motivation Data gathered Grades K-11: ≥90th percentile on a gifted 
characteristics rating scale OR
Grades 8-11: Cumulative average ≥90 on an 
scale of 1-100 over the last two years in core 
academic areas

 

Gifted Transfer Students: 

In-State Transfers: Students identified as gifted in a Georgia public school have reciprocal eligibility. Placement is based on proof of eligibility from the former district. 

Out-of-State Transfers: Reciprocity does not apply (except for military dependents under O.C.G.A. § 20-2-2140 et seq.). We review previous test data to determine eligibility and may conduct additional testing if needed. 

Continuation: 

According to the CCSD Continuation Policy, students remain in the gifted program as long as they meet the established continuation criteria. This means maintaining satisfactory academic performance in both gifted and general education classes, as outlined in Cherokee County Board of Education policies. 

Student progress is reviewed each year to determine placement for the following school year. If a student is not meeting expectations, the school’s Gifted Advocacy Council will review the situation and develop an Academic Improvement Plan (AIP) in partnership with parents and teachers. The student will remain in the program during this probationary period, with targeted support provided to help them meet the criteria. 

If performance improves, the student continues in the program. If concerns persist after the probationary period, the student may be withdrawn from gifted services in accordance with CCSD policy. 

Resources: 

CCSD Notification of Screening and Referral Process  Notification to Parents of the Screening and Referral Process for Gifted Students 2025-26 

CCSD Elementary Gifted Standards 

Advanced Placement (AP) for High School Students

Additional Resources:  

GaDOE Gifted Website  

Georgia Association for Gifted Children 

National Association for Gifted Children