This list was, by direction of the legislation, to be available September 1, 19999. Areas like creativity and visual and performing arts were to be assessed using checklists and performance rubrics with cutoffs determined by the Department of Education. Finally, the new law required districts to use instruments and procedures that would actively seek out culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged students. Needless to say, consternation reigned. The State had no such list of appropriate instruments, and the instrumentation required by the legislation either did not exist or was not amenable to establishing a criterion score.
Districts using non-approved tests are upset.
Publishers of tests that were not selected are similarly exercised. Deadlines have been pushed back and final action to adopt the new rules and procedures is still pending. What is not pending is the energy and efforts of hundreds of local coordinators and teachers to get the program underway. While there is turmoil in the process, the exciting elements remain. The new legislation clearly signals an intent to fund programs for gifted students in Ohio at a greater level of state support.