Gifted Services
Our program is designed to meet the academic, creative and affective needs of gifted and talented students through a collaborative partnership between staff, students and families.
Early Entrance to K
The deadline for requesting consideration for Early Entrance to Kindergarten for the upcoming school year is May 1st. No requests will be considered after that date.
Children who become five (5) years of age on or before September 1 of the calendar year in which the school year commences are eligible to enter kindergarten. A legal birth certificate or passport will be required as proof of age.
Students who demonstrate superior academic readiness will be considered for early entrance to kindergarten if they will be turning five (5) years of age between September 2 and August 31 of their early entrance school year.
All children in Minnesota are required to begin attending school by the age of seven. Children are not required by statute to complete kindergarten before beginning first grade. The district recommends that children attend kindergarten before entering first grade.
- Policy 503.01
Elementary School
Our program offers a variety of challenging learning opportunities for students who demonstrate outstanding academic ability. Students served by our program exhibit skills and understanding as measured by exceptionally high test scores and unique needs. Our students whose general ability and subject area achievement are at the top of the district will receive services. Since children grow and change, yearly they are assessed to determine current needs.
Some of our opportunities include:
- PETS (Primary Education Thinking Skills) lessons for all students in first grade. These classes help students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills at an early age.
- Pull-out and co-taught classes taught by gifted specialists in language arts/social studies and math/science for identified students in grades 3-5.
Identification
Criteria for Identification for Elementary Gifted Services for 2021-22
The two types of services are verbal (reading/social studies) and nonverbal (math/science). The following criteria will be used to identify students for gifted services. Students may qualify by meeting the criteria in one of the four pathways listed below.
Pathway 1) CogAT score of 116 or above on any of the following subtests:
Verbal (qualifies for verbal gifted services)
Nonverbal (qualifies for nonverbal gifted services)
Quantitative (qualifies for nonverbal gifted services)
Pathway 2) Two FAST or NWEA scores at or above the 95th percentile within the past year (both in reading to qualify for verbal, or both in math to qualify for nonverbal)
Pathway 3) A qualifying portfolio assessment
Pathway 4) Scoring in the top 15% of their school’s grade level on any subtest of the CogAT; scores are reviewed during the spring of the prior school year
Elementary Gifted Specialists
If you have any questions about services, please contact your school's Gifted and Talented teacher.
| Elementary School | Teacher | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Bamber Valley |
Matt Bitz |
|
| Bishop | Caitlin Hansen | |
| Hoover |
Laura Heuton |
|
|
Elton Hills |
Grant Niebuhr | |
| Folwell | Joseph Winch | |
| Franklin | Erika Van Evera | |
| Montessori at Franklin | Erika Van Evera | |
| Gage | Alexis Wash | |
| Gibbs |
McKenzie Wood |
|
| Jefferson | Robyn Watts | |
| Lincoln K-8 | Vandi King | |
| Longfellow 45-15 |
Vandi King |
|
| Online | Laura Heuton | |
| Overland | Caitlin Hansen | |
| Pinewood | Joseph Winch | |
| Riverside Central | McKenzie Wood | |
| Sunset Terrace | Grant Niebuhr | |
| Washington | Diane Fritcher |
Important Dates
Middle School
The middle level Gifted and Talented coordinators provide or facilitate a variety of experiences to help meet the needs of high ability and high achieving students. Some of these experiences are available to all students while other experiences are for those who meet qualifying criteria.
Middle School Gifted and Talented options include:
- Rochester Accelerated Math Program (RAMP)
- Middle School Honors Classes
- University of Minnesota's Talented Youth in Mathematics Program (UMTYMP) in Rochester
- Highly Gifted Program at Friedell, John Adams, Kellogg and - starting in Fall 2022 - Dakota and Willow Creek Middle School.
If you have any questions about services, please contact your school's Gifted and Talented specialist.
- Rochester Accelerated Math Program (RAMP)
- Middle School Honors Classes
- University of Minnesota's Talented Youth in Mathematics Program (UMTYMP) in Rochester
- Highly Gifted Program at Dakota, Kellogg, John Adams, Willow Creek Middle School
Rochester Accelerated Math Program (RAMP)
The Rochester Accelerated Math Program (RAMP) is a program to provide students with a more challenging math curriculum while in middle school. During November and December of Fifth Grade, students and parents choose whether to take Math 6 or Pre-Algebra. Most students will find Math 6 to be the most appropriate placement. However, if your child demonstrates high achievement (at least the 75th percentile on NWEA/FAST in math, high scores on classroom assignments and tests) and has the desire to work hard, you may wish to consider Pre-Algebra.
Double Acceleration
Students who meet the criteria for double acceleration may opt to take Linear Algebra (Eighth Grade math) in Sixth Grade. Middle school gifted specialists will contact parents of students who have met the criteria for double acceleration.
Criteria for double acceleration for sixth grade is below:
Option 1
Earn a minimum of 7 out of 9 possible RAMP criteria points listed below:
- Fourth Grade MCA Reading of 470 or higher OR Fifth Grade NWEA/FAST Reading of 80 NPR or higher OR Fourth Grade Verbal CogAT of 117 or higher = 1 point
- Fourth Grade MCA Math of 470 or higher = 1 point
- Fifth Grade NWEA/FAST Math Scores:
- 90 NPR or higher = 3 points
- 80 NPR or higher = 2 points
- 70 NPR or higher = 1 point
- Fourth Grade CogAT: (Quantitative + Non-Verbal)
- 130 or higher = 4 points
- 125 or higher = 3 points
- 120 or higher = 2 points
- 115 or higher = 1 point
Option 2
Option 3
Middle School Honors Classes
Middle School Honors Classes are offered in the areas of English/Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. Students who are ready for more academic challenge may elect to register for these classes. The middle school honors classes move at a faster pace and provide more depth in certain topics. The middle school honors classes ARE NOT high school classes taught at the middle school, therefore, students enrolled in these courses will not earn high school credit by taking these classes.
The District strives to provide rigorous and active coursework that also addresses all of the Minnesota state standards. The ultimate goal is to blend challenge and success for all students.
University of Minnesota's Talented Youth in Mathematics Program (UMTYMP) in Rochester
UMTYMP (pronounced "umm-tee-ump") is an accelerated mathematics option for students who are highly gifted in mathematics. The experience students will have in the program is unique: class sizes are small, the scope of the curriculum allows students to cultivate both a rich depth and breadth of mathematics, the length of the program is shorter than comparable programs, and successful students will be granted honors level college credit for the courses taken in UMTYMP in the last three years of the program. This program is a branch of the larger UMTYMP program conducted on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus by the Math Center for Educational Programs. For more detailed information on the program, visit the Math Center for Educational Program's website on UMTYMP.
Highly Gifted Program at Dakota, Kellogg, John Adams, Willow Creek Middle School
The Highly Gifted Program is a school within a school located at Dakota, John Adams, and Kellogg Middle Schools. The program is designed to meet the unique educational, social, and emotional needs of highly gifted students in grades 6-8 while still allowing the students to participate in a regular middle school experience.
- The program provides rigorous content at an accelerated pace.
- An open enrollment option is available to students who do not live within the Rochester School District.
- Student selection is based on assessment measures determined by the Office of Student Advancement of Rochester Public Schools.
- Highly gifted students will take part in four advanced subject disciplines: science, social studies, mathematics, and language arts.
- Additionally, highly gifted students will participate in standard offerings such as music, physical education, and exploratory classes.
Entrance to the program
Can I apply for the Highly Gifted Program?
There is no application for the Highly Gifted (HG) Program. Parents of identified students are notified by email and can respond to the email if they would like their child to attend. Be sure all contact information in Skyward is updated so you receive essential information. If you need to update your Skyward information, you may do so by going online or by calling your school’s main office.
Below is a list of typical entrance timeframes for the Highly Gifted Program:
-
After the 4th Grade CogAT.
- After the 4th Grade spring or 5th Grade NWEA/FAST (if qualifying with CogAT + NWEA/FAST scores).
- By completing a qualifying Highly Gifted portfolio in the fall of grade 5 or grade 6, 7 or 8.
Students and families considering this option must meet one of the following criteria:
-
CogAT composite or total score of 132 or higher.
- CogAT composite/total score of 128 or higher and NWEA/FAST test total in Reading of 97 NPR or higher and NWEA/FAST test total in Math of 97 NPR or higher (Scores from 4th Grade spring NWEA/FAST and afterwards will be used).
- A qualifying portfolio of exemplary work completed at school under the direction of the gifted specialist.
Special note for students in grades 4 and 5 during the 2020-2021 school year:
Because students did not/will not have the opportunity to take the NEWA or FAST tests in spring of 2020 and 2021, the following additional pathway using a similar level of performance will be added:
-
A CogAT score of 130 or higher.
Next Tier Identification Process for the Highly Gifted Program
At each site where there are open seats in the HG program and no waiting pool, there may be an opportunity for students at that site whose scores are close to the entrance criteria to be offered a seat. Parents will be notified by email or telephone if their child is offered a seat.
Important Dates
Highly Gifted FAQs
Can I apply for the Highly Gifted Program?
There is no application for the Highly Gifted (HG) Program. Parents of identified students are notified by email and can respond to the email if they would like their child to attend. Be sure all contact information in Skyward is updated so you receive essential information. If you need to update your Skyward information, you may do so by going online or by calling your school’s main office.
Are all students guaranteed a space or is there a random selection process?
If there are more applicants than seats available, a random selection process will be held.
How do I ensure my student will be in the first random selection process?
The first selection process will include current fifth grade students who have met the criteria and whose parents have indicated they wish to be included in the HG program by January 7, 2021.
Note: For due dates for applications for other district-wide options, view District-Wide Application web page or call (507) 328-4300.
When will I know if my student’s name was selected; will I be notified if my student’s name is not selected?
Parents will be notified starting January 13, 2021. Notification calls will start on January 13, but may not all occur the same day. You will only be notified if your student's name is selected. It is very important your Skyward information is correct so you can be reached. You may be offered a seat in either program. Please be ready to respond whether you wish to take the seat or to decline it.
What is the selection process like; how is it determined whether my student will attend the Highly Gifted Program at Dakota, John Adams, or Kellogg?
RPS retains right of placement for students in the Highly Gifted Programs at Dakota, John Adams, and Kellogg. Generally, students that reside in
The goal is to address students’ academic needs by providing as many qualified students as possible with a seat in the programs. Students who qualify will be placed as much as possible according to their attendance areas.
How is the selection process run?
There is no application for the Highly Gifted (HG) Program. Parents of identified students are notified by email and asked to respond to the email if they would like their child to attend. Be sure all contact information in Skyward is updated so you receive essential information. If you need to update your Skyward information, you may do so by going online or by calling your school’s main office.
All names are randomly selected by the computer. As each name is selected, students are assigned seats according to their attendance area.
What if my child does not get a seat in the first random selection process?
Your child’s name will remain in the waiting pool for the 2022-2023 school year. As seats open up, the process is re-run. Families are then notified if their child’s name is selected. In recent years, nearly all students have gotten a seat.
If I live in the Willow Creek attendance area and attend the Kellogg HG program, can my child’s name stay in the waiting pool for Friedell?
Yes.
If I live in the John Adams or Willow Creek attendance area and my child attends the Kellogg program, which high school will he or she attend?
After 8th Grade, students attend their attendance area high school. This is in accord with students who attend other district-wide option programs. After the last year of the program, they go to their attendance area school.
Are the programs at each location the same?
Dakota, John Adams, and Kellogg staff collaborate throughout the year to ensure that both programs mirror one another. Staff at both schools receive ongoing training in gifted education and the needs of gifted students.
What is the capacity of the Highly Gifted program?
The number of sections will vary according to how many students meet the entrance criteria.
What is the criteria to enter the program?
- CogAT composite or total score of 132 or higher.
- CogAT composite/total score of 128 or higher AND NWEA (or FAST) test total in Reading of 97 NPR or higher AND NWEA (or FAST) test total in Math of 97 NPR or higher (Scores from grade 4 spring NWEAs and afterwards will be used).
- A qualifying portfolio of exemplary work completed at school under the direction of the gifted specialist.
High School
Our three high schools, Century, John Marshall, and Mayo, offer a wide variety of courses to meet the needs of our students. Honors courses are open to all students that meet the course prerequisites. These courses extend the curriculum in terms of depth, quality of product, and pace of content. Honors classes are clearly defined on a student’s transcript; students are also encouraged to apply for an honors diploma.
Gifted Services also offers mentorships for juniors and seniors. A mentorship is an accelerated, individualized program of study for students who wish to learn a new skill, develop an interest, or explore a career under the supervision of a specialist in our community. Mentorships are excellent learning experiences outside of the normal classroom.
There are several ways to earn an honors credit:
- Honors Courses
- Honors Option Courses
- Advanced Placement
- Mentorship in the Community
- Independent Study*
High School Gifted Specialists
- Entrance to the Program
- Honors Courses
- Honors Option Courses
- Mentorship in the Community
- Independent Study
Entrance to the Program
There is no application for the Highly Gifted (HG) Program. Parents of identified students are notified by email and can respond to the email if they would like their child to attend. Be sure all contact information in Skyward is updated so you receive essential information. If you need to update your Skyward information, you may do so by going online or by calling your school’s main office.
Below is a list of typical entrance times into the program:
- After the fourth-grade CogAT.
- After the fourth-grade spring or fifth-grade NWEAs if qualifying with CogAT + NWEA scores.
- By taking the CogAT in the Summer. Students must register by July 15. Call (507) 328-4299 to register.
- By completing a qualifying Highly Gifted portfolio in fall.
Honors Courses
Honors Option Courses
Students desiring more challenge in a regular course may elect to receive honors credit by signing up for the honors option. To receive the honors credit the student must complete assignments designated by the instructor which differ in depth, pace, rigor, and/or use of higher level thinking skills. Students must complete an Honors Option Registration contract which must be signed by the teacher, student, and parent, and then submitted to the Gifted Specialist. The Honors option is only available for courses that do not already have a corresponding Honors designation.
Check the course listing in the registration guide for a list of these courses.
Mentorship in the Community
Mentorship is an accelerated, individualized program for students who want to explore a career field under the supervision of a specialist in the community. Mentorships are done outside of school and are offered for juniors and seniors only. Mentorship is an honors credit course that provides challenge beyond the traditional high school curriculum.
The mentorship is arranged and supervised by the Gifted Specialist.
Independent Study
This is an option for a student who has an area of interest beyond our curriculum. It requires the cooperation of an interested teacher. The student must write and submit a proposal for the principal’s approval.
All honors courses taken for honors credit receive a weighted grade on your transcript. Weighted grading is a system for calculating grade point average and/or class rank that gives more points for honors, honors options, AP, and approved Independent Study courses. Non-weighted grades are based on a 4.0 scale, while weighted grades go above that 4.0 scale.
*Students must petition the Gifted Specialist to receive honors option credit for an independent study.
Honors Diploma
Students in the Honors Program are generally working towards an Honors diploma. Students receive an honors diploma by completing 24-semester honors credits over their four years in high school with a grade of an A or B. All honors courses are clearly designated on the high school transcript by an H to the left of the class. We recommend students start planning in 9th or 10th grade for an honors diploma. Students wishing to earn an honors diploma must fill out and sign a self-nomination form and return it to their Gifted Specialist. There are currently 87 courses listed in the registration guide which count as honors credits.
Portfolios
What is a Prompt?
The portfolio has several sections known as prompts. Depending on what type of portfolio, you may be asked to read, write, do math problems, express your opinion, or explain scientific concepts.
How to Succeed:
- Students will complete one prompt at a time.
- Students need to finish a prompt before handing it in; students may not return to work on a prompt once you have handed it in.
- Here are a few tips to help your student be successful in their portfolio:
-
Read directions at least twice. Think about what being asked.
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Have your student ask: Did I address exactly what the prompt or question was asking me to do?
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Answer the questions with as much detail as possible.
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Generally, for reading and writing prompts, answers of one or two sentences will not fully address the questions.
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Print responses neatly so they are easy to read. Students may ask the teacher if they are able to read the writing.
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Before handing in each section of the portfolio, re-read the response to see that it is clear and makes sense.
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Lastly, don’t hold back - your student should highlight all they know.
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Other Information
Equity of Access
Rochester Public Schools strives to inform all parents, students, and staff about the gifted services opportunities available to students.
Some districts require a teacher recommendation before a student can be considered for gifted services. The result can be that students who are culturally, linguistically, and/or economically diverse are overlooked. RPS uses the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) and the NWEA/MAP (Northwestern Evaluation Assessment/Measures of Educational Progress) tests to consider every child every year. The CogAT is given in grades 2 and 4; the NWEA MAP test is given twice or three times per year. For students who may not test well, there is a portfolio option to be considered for services.
For more information, contact the Gifted Services office at (507) 328-4299.
Gateway
GATEway is the Rochester chapter of the Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented, a statewide not-for-profit organization that advocates for educational services for gifted and talented students.
You can access their website for more information on programming and meetings.
Grade Acceleration Procedure
The District has a subject and grade acceleration procedure. For more information, contact your school's gifted specialist or Monica Bowler at (507) 328-4275.