GATEWAY Talent Pool Identification
Some thoughts for the starting school year
GATEWAY Talent Pool Identification
Based on The Schoolwide Enrichment Model, by Joseph S. Renzulli, Ed.D. and Sally M. Reis, Ph.D.
GATEWAY utilizes Talent Pool Identification in grades K-7
A key feature of the Talent Pool approach is that it includes students who have been identified by both test and nontest criteria. The SEM Talent Pool includes students who earn high scores on traditional measures, but also leaves room for students who show their potential in other ways or who have high academic potential, but underachieve in school.
The Talent Pool approach is based on Renzulli’s Three Ring Conception of Giftedness and is consistent with the identification for tiers 2 and 3 in GATEWAY.
Renzulli's 3-Ring Conception of Giftedness
Gifted Behavior =
Above Average Ability
- The top 15-20% within any domain
Creativity
- An individual's original and interesting thinking, curiosity, willingness to take risks, and openness to new ideas
Task Commitment
- An individual's focus, perseverance, dedication, self-confidence, and ability to carry out work
"History does not remember persons who merely scored well on IQ tests"
The size of the talent pool is a function of several decisions.
- Number of GATEWAY Specialists
- Scheduling opportunities
- Number of students GATEWAY Specialists can provide services to each week in such a manner to make a difference in the accomplishment of student learning and program goals. (Tier 3 Small Group - Targeted Instruction)
It is important for all persons on the identification team to understand that instruments provide information, but people make decisions. Informed human judgment is crucial for an identification system that (a) seeks to develop diverse talent potentials in diverse segments of the school population, and (b) is geared toward services that place a premium on developing productive creativity rather than mere advanced lesson learning.
Identification for GATEWAY Tier 2 and Tier 3
Academic performance and test scores nomination using local norms calculated by school/grade level.
STAR Benchmark (Fall, Winter, Spring)
MCAS (Fall)
Common Assessments (ELA, Math)
Student advocacy
GATEWAY Tier 1 Identification
Action Information Message Form (Staff, Students, Families)
Student advocacy
