Using MAP Growth for Gifted and Talented Placement Decisions

This guide provides comprehensive guidelines for school districts on utilizing MAP Growth data to inform placement decisions for gifted and talented programs. It outlines the importance of using assessment data effectively to maximize benefits for students. The document details how MAP Growth can serve as a universal screener in the initial phase of the placement process, determining which students should be considered for eligibility. It emphasizes the correlation between MAP Growth scores and actual placement criteria, highlighting that high scores should only be a factor if they predict success in advanced learning opportunities. Furthermore, the guide discusses the two-phase identification system, where the first phase involves screening all students, and the second phase focuses on collecting multiple data points for eligibility decisions. The document also addresses best practices for placement criteria, ensuring they are cost-effective, aligned with service content, sensitive to student needs, and accessible to all students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.