Gifted Identification for Multilingual Learners (MLs)

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) is committed to ensuring that all students, including Multilingual Learners (MLs), have equal access to gifted education. We recognize that giftedness may look different in students who are developing proficiency in multiple languages, and we use a variety of methods to identify their unique strengths.

How Are Multilingual Learners Identified for TAG?

The identification process for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program includes multiple ways for students to show their abilities. Since traditional testing may not always capture the potential of Multilingual Learners, we use an equitable and research-based approach to gifted identification.

Universal Screening

All students in Grades 1 and 4 are automatically tested for talented and gifted services.
Screening includes a non-verbal abilities test, which does not rely on English proficiency, so language is not a barrier.
Multiple measures are reviewed to determine eligibility.
Multiple opportunities to be screened and rescreened

Testing for New Students (Grades 2, 3, and 5)

Students who transfer to PGCPS in grades 2, 3, or 5 are tested for gifted identification.
This ensures that students new to the school system have an equal opportunity to be identified, regardless of when they enroll.

Multiple Criteria for Identification

Instead of relying on just one test score, we use a holistic approach that looks at different areas of student ability, including:

Cognitive Ability – How students think, solve problems, and recognize patterns. In grades 1 - 3, OLSAT Nonverbal, Verbal, or Total percentile are used for screening; Grades 4 - 5 CogAT Verbal and Nonverbal double composite percentile, Verbal and Quantitative double composite percentile, OR Non-verbal and Quantitative double composite percentile are used for screening;
Academic Performance – Performance in reading and math, including report card quarterly grades and standardized test scores.
Teacher input - Teachers can provide valuable insight through TAG Teacher Checklist of Gifted Characteristics

Considerations for Multilingual Learners

We do not require students to be fluent in English to receive Talented and Gifted services.
Students' language background and the time they have spent in U.S. schools are taken into account.
A Non-verbal assessment is used when appropriate to ensure MLs have a fair chance to demonstrate their giftedness.

What Does Giftedness Look Like in Multilingual Learners?

Gifted students who speak more than one language may show their talents in different ways. They may:

Adapt easily to new cultural and language settings
Learn new languages quickly and have a high aptitude for language learning
Switch between languages or translate at an advanced level
Act as leaders by helping others bridge cultural and language differences
Show strong empathy and cultural awareness, creating a positive classroom environment

Why This Process Matters

By using multiple ways to identify students for talented and gifted services, PGCPS ensures that Multilingual Learners are not overlooked due to language barriers. Every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential, and our TAG testing, screening, and identification process is designed to be fair, inclusive, and accessible to all learners.

Need More Information?

For details on the PGCPS TAG identification process, contact your school’s TAG Coordinator.