We Need Your Voice: Help Shape the Future of Gifted Identification in Arizona

Dear Gifted Coordinator,

As part of AAGT’s ongoing collaboration with the Governor’s Office, we are exploring opportunities to strengthen Arizona’s gifted education policies. A key area of focus is the use of local norms in the identification process—and we want to hear directly from you.

What Are Local Norms?

Local norms compare a student’s performance to their local peer group—such as peers within the same school, district, or demographic subgroup—rather than a national sample. This approach helps reveal gifted potential that might otherwise go unrecognized, especially among historically underrepresented populations.

Using local norms doesn’t lower the bar for giftedness—it raises the level of equity. By considering a student’s unique educational context, we create fairer pathways to access gifted programs.

Why Your Input Matters

Before we consider any policy updates or recommendations, we want to understand:

• What practices are already in place across Arizona?

• What challenges and successes are you seeing?

• Where are additional supports needed?

Your feedback will directly inform next steps and help promote fair, effective, and inclusive gifted identification practices across the state.

👉 Click here to complete the survey
It only takes a few minutes—and as a thank-you, you’ll be entered to win an AAGT Advocacy T-Shirt!
Winners will be announced July 15.

Please share this survey with other gifted coordinators or colleagues in your region. The more voices we hear, the stronger our recommendations will be.

Want to Learn More About Local Norms?

Here are two valuable resources from national experts:

• Scott J. Peters, Ph.D.
  Professor of Assessment and Research Methods, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
  Visit his Gifted Identification Resources site for in-depth explanations on local norms, equity, and inclusive practices.

• Jonathan Plucker, Ph.D.
  Past NAGC President and Professor of Talent Development, Johns Hopkins University
  Read his article, Addressing Excellence Gaps Using Local Norms, to see how this approach can close opportunity gaps and better serve high-potential learners from all backgrounds.

Thank you for the work you do every day to support Arizona’s gifted learners. Your insight is essential as we move toward more equitable, effective systems of identification across our state.

— The AAGT Policy & Advocacy Team