MODULE 3.3
QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENTS FOR GIFTED IDENTIFICATION
Objectives
- Explain how qualitative measures matched to high-level curriculum and instruction can complement an equitable identification system.
- Explain the pros and cons of using qualitative measures for identification.
Learning Tasks
- Watch Goal 3 Module 3 Video
- Complete Goal 3 Module 3 Application Activity (recommended)
- Read Goal 3 Module 3 Additional Resources (recommended)
GOAL 3 MODULE 3
Watch the following video over Qualitative Assessments for Gifted Identification.
Goal 3 Module 3 Application Activity
Consider these questions if you use or plan to use alternative assessments in your district:
- When might alternative assessments be used to complement your identification system?
- How can you minimize rater subjectivity?
- What professional development is conducted annually to ensure that teachers are prepared to adequately assess student performance on qualitative assessments?
- How do the measures align to and inform specific services or areas that require advanced instruction?
Goal 3 Module 3 Additional Resources
Horn, C. (2015). Young Scholars: A talent development model for finding and nurturing talent in underrepresented populations. Gifted Child Today, 38(1), 19-31. https://doi.org/10.1177/1076217514556532
Johnsen, S. & VanTassel-Baska, J. (2023). A handbook on assessments for gifted learners. Routledge.
Little, C. A., O'Brien, R. L., & Kearney, K. L. (2023). Qualitative assessment tools for identification: Curriculum-based performance tasks. In S. K. Johnsen & J. VanTassel-Baska (Eds.). Handbook on assessments for gifted learners. Routledge.
Robinson, A., Adelson, J. L., Kidd, K. A., & Cunningham, C. M. (2018). A talent for tinkering: Developing talents in children from low-income households
through engineering curriculum. Gifted Child Quarterly, 62(1), 130–144. https://doi.org/10.1177/0016986217738049
VanTassel-Baska, J. (2014). Performance-based assessment: The road to authentic learning for gifted. Gifted Child Today, 37(1), 41-47. https://doi.org/10.1177/1076217513509618
VanTassel-Baska J., Johnson D., & Avery L. D. (2002). Using performance tasks in the identification of economically disadvantaged and minority gifted learners: Findings from Project STAR. Gifted Child Quarterly, 46(2), 110-123. https://doi.org/10.1177/001698620204600204
NEXT STEPS
After completing this module, you'll proceed to Module 4: Test Bias.
This work was supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (award number S206A200007 – 21) as part of the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program. The contributors to this site include Kiana Johnson, Lindsay Lee, Matt Makel, Matthew McBee, Betsy McCoach, Scott Peters, & Tamra Stambaugh.