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Preston revises gifted-and-talented screening; parents press for automatic OLSAT score distribution
Summary
The BOE reviewed a revised Gifted & Talented identification process (universal OLSAT screening in grades 3 and 6, use of GATES-2 and multiple criteria). Parents urged automatic distribution of OLSAT results; the district said parents may request scores and the G&T team will review the test-distribution strategy.
The Preston Board of Education reviewed and accepted a revised identification process for the district’s Gifted & Talented (G&T) program and heard several public comments urging more automatic sharing of OLSAT scores with parents.
Craig King, the district’s Director of Student Services, presented the revised rubric and screening steps at the Sept. 8 meeting. The updated process calls for universal Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) screening for students in grades 3 and 6, follow-up use of the Gifted and Talented Evaluation Scale (GATES-2) and multiple data points (STAR, SBA, teacher input) before a PPT (planning and placement team) determines eligibility. King said the G&T team emphasized equity, multiple pathways to identification and clearer parent communications.
During the public-comment period, parents Johanna Thibodeau, Cara Sawyer and school psychologist Kelly McNamara said they had repeatedly requested OLSAT/OLSAT-score access and argued that scores should be distributed to all parents rather than only on request. Thibodeau told the board she requested her child’s OLSAT scores three times last year without success. Craig King said the committee will re-examine the test-distribution strategy and contact families; Superintendent Dr. Roy Seitsinger directed the committee to reconsider how scores are shared.
Why it matters: Changes to universal screening and parent-access policies affect identification rates, equitable access to services for gifted students and parents’ ability to pursue enrichment or accommodations. Some parents said last year’s results did not trigger outreach and asked the district to review prior scores under the new rubric.
Details: The revised process lists cut scores and timelines (OLSAT SAI and category thresholds, GATES-2 review steps, and a PPT-based identification meeting by year-end). The presentation packet included multiple supporting documents, testing materials analysis and a parent letter template explaining the OLSAT’s purpose and how results will be used. King said parents may request individual scores and that teams will review prior-year data where appropriate.
