Gifted/Talented Programs - High Achievement Ability (HA) and Specific Academic Ability (SA) Categories Overview - For School Sites Only

Oct 3, 2026

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Overview of LAUSD Gifted/Talented Programs for school sites, focusing on High Achievement Ability (HA) and Specific Academic Ability (SA) identification. Summarizes student characteristics linked to exemplary achievement, outlines two pathways for HA/SA identification using automated MiSiS processes (SBA/grades and OLSAT-8), and specifies when schools should submit referrals for new students only. Includes OLSAT-8 qualifying criteria and post-upload responsibilities such as roster review, notification letter handling, record filing, parent communication, and placement into GATE with differentiated instruction.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

High Achievement Ability (HA) and Specific Academic Ability (SA) Categories Overview

Characteristics of Students with Exemplary Achievement Ability

Two Pathways to HA/SA Identification

Identification via SBA test scores and/or grades in MiSiS

Identification via OLSAT-8 test scores

Schools’ Responsibilities After the Automated Upload Process (OLSAT-8 and SBA/Grades)

Qualifying Criteria for the High Achievement Ability Category

Gifted/Talented Programs Advanced Learning Options OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF SPECIAL EDUCATION, EQUITY AND SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS High Achievement Ability ( HA) and Specific Academic Ability ( SA) Categories Overview For School Sites ONLY What are the characteristics of students with exemplary achievement ability? Students with exemplary achievement ability may exhibit some of the following traits: Demonstrate rapid and accurate recall of information Persevere, work hard, and are dedicated to practice Display high levels of interest, enthusiasm, fascination,􀀀 and involvement in one or more areas of study Set high standards for their work Strive toward mastery in a particular subject or skill Have a capacity for learning and making appropriate use􀀀 of knowledge, strategies, and techniques Initiate projects and extensions of assignments Display increased sensitivity, awareness, and intensity Michelle Papazyan, LAUSD Approved byEY , Erin Yoshida-Ehrmann, Director, Gifted/Talented Programs Two Pathways to HA/SA Identification What is the identification process for the HA/SA categories for LAUSD students with multiple years of qualifying SBA test scoresand/or grades in MiSiS? Students in grade 5 and above who meet the qualifying criteria for the High Achievement Ability and Specific Academic Ability categories are systematically identified as gifted and talented each school year through an automated process in MiSiS. Because the process is automated, schools do not have to refer students in these categories. For HA/SA criteria using SBA and/or grades, see page 3. GATE coordinators are notified via email by Gifted/Talented Programs after the automated identification upload takes place in MiSiS. Schools should only submit HA/SA referrals for students who are new to the District and do not have qualifying test scores/grades in MiSiS. For details on the referral process for new students, see page 4. Note: Poverty Indicator (meal codes of 1, 2, or 5) is not used for HA/SA identification when using SBA test scores or grades. What is the HA identification process for LAUSD students with qualifying OLSAT-8 test scores? Students in grade 2 who have qualifying OLSAT-8 test scores will be systematically identified as gifted and talented each spring through an automated process in MiSiS. Because the process is automated, schools do not have to refer students. | Four OLSAT-8 Qualifying Criteria | | | --- | --- | | OLSAT-8 Test Component | Qualifying Test Score Criteria | | >Total Age-Based Score –> | 95th Percentile Rank or Above | | >Nonverbal Age-Based Score –> 95th Percentile Rank or Above | | | >Verbal Age-Based Score –> | 95th Percentile Rank or Above | | >Total Age-Based Score –>(for Students with a􀀀 Meal Code 1, 2, or 5) | 90-94th Percentile Rank | GATE coordinators are notified via email by Gifted/Talented Programs after the automated identification upload for OLSAT-8 takes place in the spring. To review OLSAT-8 policy in detail, please see MEM-5936.9. Schools’ Responsibilities After the Automated Upload Process (OLSAT-8 and SBA/Grades) 1. Download the School GATE Roster from MiSiS ( Reports) 2. Review the list of newly identified students in the HA/SA Ability categories 3. Download and print the Notification Letter from MiSiS ( Reports) for each new student who qualified 4. Provide parents/guardians a copy of the Notification Letter (method of delivery is a school site decision) 5. File a copy of the Notification Letter in each student’s cumulative record folder􀀀(notating the new qualification in the cumulative record is optional and not required) 6. Check off the last section in each student’s MiSiS GATE referral page that states parents/guardians have received􀀀a copy of the Notification Letter 7. Place all newly identified students in the school’s GATE program and provide them with􀀀 high-quality differentiated instruction 8. Refer students who scored in t

FAQs

What traits characterize students with exemplary achievement ability in these programs?

Students may show rapid, accurate recall; persistence and dedication to practice; high interest and intensity in one or more study areas; high work standards and drive toward mastery. They also use knowledge, strategies, and techniques appropriately, initiate projects, and demonstrate heightened sensitivity and involvement.

How does LAUSD identify HA/SA categories for students with qualifying SBA test scores and/or grades in MiSiS?

Students in grade 5 and above meeting qualifying criteria are systematically identified each school year through an automated MiSiS process. Because it is automated, schools do not refer students in these categories, and they should submit referrals only for new-to-district students without qualifying MiSiS scores/grades.

What are the qualifying criteria for HA identification when students have qualifying OLSAT-8 scores?

In grade 2, students with qualifying OLSAT-8 scores are identified each spring through an automated MiSiS process. Four criteria apply, including achieving the 95th percentile rank or above for Total, Nonverbal, and Verbal age-based scores, and for students with a meal code of 1, 2, or 5, a qualifying Total age-based score in the 90–94th percentile range.

Oct 3, 2026

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