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APEX Selection Process
All students are identified and evaluated using the following Merrick criteria:
Grade 2 and Grade 5
Ability Assessment: A test of abstract thinking and reasoning ability of children is administered in February, for all second and fifth grade students. This multiple choice assessment is group administered and measures verbal, quantitative and spatial reasoning abilities. The test yields verbal and nonverbal scores, from which a total score is derived, called a School Ability Index (SAI). All students who receive an SAI of 125 or greater will be considered for further screening as outlined below.
Achievement Assessment: This assessment will be administered, in the spring, to all identified children (based on the Ability Assessment measure). This measure will assess reading comprehension skills, as well as math problem solving skills. Qualifying scores on the measure consist of a Reading score in the 91st or higher percentile and a Math score in the 95th or higher percentile.
Teacher Appraisal: Second and Fifth grade teachers complete an appraisal for each of their identified students (based on the Ability Assessment measure) in the spring. The appraisal is comprised of descriptors that identify children who demonstrate characteristics of giftedness.
Creativity Assessment: Student characteristics of creativity and creative strengths are measured. Qualifying scores on the measure consists of an overall score in the 89th percentile or higher.
Students who possess all qualifying scores on the above criteria are given a final score based on a matrix and may be eligible to participate in the APEX Gifted Program.
