their use, identifying items by size, identifying
colors of familiar objects not in view, or
identifying simple objects by touch.
OTHER FACTORS THAT COULD INDICATE
A DISABILITY
Developmental disabilities are birth defects
related to a problem with how a body part
or body system works. They may also be
known as functional birth defects. Many of
these conditions affect multiple body parts or
systems. Researchers have identified thousands
of different birth defects. Birth defects can have
a variety of causes, such as:
Genetic problems caused when one or more
genes doesn’t work properly or part of a gene
is missing, problems with chromosomes, such
as having an extra chromosome or missing
part of a chromosome, environmental factors
that the expectant mother is exposed to
during pregnancy, such as Rubella or German
measles or if she uses drugs or alcohol during
pregnancy.
FACTORS CONSIDERED WHEN DETERMINING
MENTAL GIFTEDNESS
1. The child performs a year or more above
grade achievement level in one or more subjects
as measured by a nationally normed and
validated achievement test.
2. The child demonstrates rates of acquisition/
retention of content and skills reflecting gifted
ability.
3. The child demonstrates achievement,
performance, or expertise in one or more
academic areas as evidenced by products,
portfolios or research, as well as criterionreferenced team judgment.
4. The child demonstrates early and measured
use of high level thinking skills, academic
creativity, leadership skills, intense academic
interest, communication skills, foreign language
aptitude, or technology expertise.
5. The child demonstrates that intervening
factors such as English as a second language,
disabilities, gender or race bias, or socio/
cultural deprivation are masking gifted abilities.
FREE APPROPRIATE PUBLIC EDUCATION
(CFR 300.121)
Chartiers Valley School District provides a
free, appropriate, public education (FAPE) to
exceptional students residing in the district. All
children with a disability between the ages of
three to twenty-one who have been identified as
needing special education and related services
have the right to FAPE. The determination that a
child is eligible for special education and related
services is made on an individual basis by a
team of qualified professionals and the parent of
the child following a multidisciplinary evaluation
and the completion of an evaluation report. A
student qualifies as exceptional if he or she is
found to be a child with a disability and in need
of specially designed instruction and related
services under the provisions of the Individuals
with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Chapter 14 of
the Pa. School Code. The following are disability
categories under IDEA: autism, deafness, deaf/
blindness, emotional disturbance, traumatic
brain injury, hearing impairment, specific
learning disability, mental retardation, multiple
disabilities, other health impairment, speech and
language impairment, orthopedic impairment
and visual impairment including blindness.
INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM
(CFR 300.340)
An Individualized Education Program (IEP)
is developed and implemented annually for
each eligible child with a disability. The IEP
is completed within 30 calendar days of the
parent’s receipt of the evaluation report and
must be in effect before special education and
related services are provided.