Board approves LEAP identification updates for gifted program

The school board approved a package of changes to LEAP gifted identification criteria during the Dec. 15 meeting, staff said.

Staff recommended three technical changes: switch from percentiles to scale scores to improve precision; use scores from the verbal and quantitative subtests for the aptitude measure instead of the overall composite; and broaden achievement criteria to the 90th percentile or one grade level above. Staff told the board they would post presentation materials online, present the changes at a parent information night and update the district’s AIG documentation with the state Division of Public Instruction.

Board members asked about outreach to students who had near‑threshold scores in prior years; staff said gifted specialists will examine screening data and contact families when students meet the new criteria without needing to retest. Materials will be posted in English and Spanish, and principals and gifted staff will be informed to help reach families.

The board moved to approve the recommendations; the motion passed by voice vote with 'aye' recorded and approval confirmed by the chair’s announcement.