According to NAGC Programming standards, what percentage of a school population must be screened for gifted education services?

The correct answer is that 100% of the school population must be screened for gifted education services according to the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) programming standards. This requirement emphasizes the importance of identifying gifted and talented students in all demographics and academic levels, ensuring that no potential candidates are overlooked.

By screening the entire population, schools promote equity and inclusivity in gifted education programs, recognizing that talent can manifest in diverse ways and in various groups. Additionally, this comprehensive approach allows educators to capture a broader range of abilities and interests, including those of students who may not traditionally perform at the top but possess exceptional creative, critical thinking, or leadership skills.

The other options suggest a more selective approach to screening. The idea of screening only the top 20% using intelligence tests or including only nominated students limits the potential identification of gifted students who may not fit into these narrow criteria. This could lead to biases that undermine the goal of equitable education by failing to recognize the full spectrum of giftedness present in the school population.