Who decides which students are admitted?
The application committee is comprised of school and district educators who work to determine eligibility based on the established criteria (noted below). Once students are pre-qualified and meet the criteria, names are enrolled in a randomized lottery (based on space). Completing this application process in no way guarantees enrollment at Aurora Quest K-8, nor does it obligate you to enroll your child(ren) should you be offered a seat. When enrollment is at capacity, a waitlist is generated.
What criteria are used to qualify students?
A robust body of evidence must be complied for each applicant in order to 'pre-qualify' for a lottery spot. Examples of data to be included in the student's body of evidence include the following:
- Scores from a cognitive ability test (e.g., CogAT, NNAT, DAS, WISC, WPPSI)
- A recommendation from a parent or guardian, and a teacher
- Report card information (if applicable)
- State assessments (if applicable)
- Performance-based measures
- Student work, reflection and questionnaire
The following criteria is used to evaluate the body of evidence and determine eligibility for admission:
- A ‘Far Above Average’ to ‘Superior’ Levels of Cognitive Abilities, as indicated by a full-scale score of the 84th percentile or above on a gold-standard IQ test or approved cognitive assessment.
- Far Above Average to Superior levels of Academic Achievement, as indicated by academic assessment scores in reading and/or mathematical achievement that are at or above the 84th percentile or greatly exceed grade level expectations.
- Any qualitative information obtained throughout the process that speaks to a robust body of evidence about the child’s superior abilities and/or talents and need for specialized programming to meet their educational needs.
What criteria are used to qualify multilingual students and students with IEP's (2e/3e)?
If a child is identified for gifted services through the Rapid English Language Acquisition (RELA) process, the body of evidence will be reviewed based on the standards outlined in Colorado Department of Education guidance.
For all applicants who are identified as twice-exceptional (2e) or multi-exceptional (3e) (identified as gifted with disabilities), the body of evidence will also be reviewed based on the standards outlined in Colorado Department of Education guidance. Per the Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA), a body of evidence will be used to identify a student's exceptionalities, including strengths identified through a gifted identification and challenge areas supported by an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan.