Content uploaded by Joseph S. Renzulli
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Joseph S. Renzulli on Feb 02, 2017
Content may be subject to copyright.
Student Information
Student’s Name (or Assigned Code No.):
____________________________________________________
Date of Rating ___________ / ___________ / ___________
YEAR MONTH DAY
Date of Birth ___________ / ___________ / ___________
YEAR MONTH DAY
Age in Years _________
Grade q K q 1 q 2 q 3 q 4 q 5 q 6
q 7 q 8 q 9 q 10 q 11 q 12
Rater’s Name: _______________________________________
Relationship to Student: ____________________________
Examiner’s Name: ___________________________________
School Name: _______________________________________
Summary of Scores
I Learning Characteristics
II Creativity Characteristics
III Motivation Characteristics
IV Leadership Characteristics
V Artistic Characteristics
VI Musical Characteristics
VII Dramatics Characteristics
VIII Communication Characteristics (Precision)
IX Communication Characteristics (Expressiveness)
X Planning Characteristics
XI Mathematics Characteristics
XII Reading Characteristics
XIII Technology Characteristics
XIV Science Characteristics
Directions
These scales are designed to obtain teacher estimates of a student’s characteristics in the areas of learning, motivation, creativity,
leadership, art, music, drama, communication, planning, mathematics, reading, technology, and science. The items are derived
from the research literature dealing with characteristics of gifted and creative individuals. It should be pointed out that a con-
siderable amount of individual differences can be found within this population, and therefore, the profiles are likely to vary a
great deal. Each item in the scales should be considered separately and should reflect the degree to which you have observed
the presence or absence of each characteristic. Because the 14 dimensions of the instrument represent relatively different sets
of behaviors, the scores obtained from the separate scales should not be summed to yield a total score. In addition, we have
purposefully avoided developing national norms for this instrument. If you choose to develop local norms, they should be con-
structed for individual schools and grade levels. Instructions for calculating local norms can be found in the Scales for Rating the
Behavioral Characteristics of Superior Students—Revised Edition: Technical and Administration Manual.
Read each item in each scale and place an “x” in the box that corresponds with the frequency to which you have observed the
behavior. Each item should be read with the beginning phrase, “The student demonstrates . . .” or “The student . . .”.
© 2013 Prufrock Press Inc. Additional copies of this form may be purchased from Prufrock Press Inc.,
Reproduction in any form is prohibited without P.O. Box 8813, Waco, TX 76714-8813; Phone 800/998-2208;
express permission of the publisher. Fax 800/240-0333; http://www.prufrock.com
SCALES FOR RATING THE BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS
OF SUPERIOR STUDENTS
(Renzulli Scales)
Joseph S. Renzulli / Linda H. Smith / Alan J. White / Carolyn M. Callahan / Robert K. Hartman / Karen L. Westberg
M. Katherine Gavin / Sally M. Reis / Del Siegle / Rachel E. Sytsma
SAMPLE
Do Not Reproduce.
STUDENT’S NAME (OR ASSIGNED CODE NO.): ________________________________________________________________________________
© 2013 Prufrock Press Inc. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without express permission of the publisher.
LEARNING CHARACTERISTICS
The student demonstrates . . . Never Very Rarely Rarely Occasionally Frequently Always
1. advanced vocabulary for his or her age or grade
level.
2. the ability to make generalizations about events,
people, and things.
3. a large storehouse of information about a specific
topic.
4. the ability to grasp underlying principles.
5. insight into cause and effect relationships.
6. an understanding of complicated material through
analytical reasoning ability.
7. a large storehouse of information about a variety of
topics.
8. the ability to deal with abstractions.
9. recall of factual information.
10. keen and insightful observations.
11. the ability to transfer learning from one situation to
another.
Add Column Total:
Multiply by Weight: 123456
Add Weighted Column Totals:
Scale Total:
1 11 1 1
Scoring:
• Add the total number of x’s in each column to obtain the “Column Total.”
• Multiply the “Column Total” by the “Weight” for each column to obtain the “Weighted Column Total.”
• Sum the “Weighted Column Totals” across to obtain the Score for each dimension of the scale.
• Enter the Scores for each dimension on the cover sheet.
SAMPLE
Do Not Reproduce.
STUDENT’S NAME (OR ASSIGNED CODE NO.): ________________________________________________________________________________
© 2013 Prufrock Press Inc. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without express permission of the publisher.
CREATIVITY CHARACTERISTICS
The student demonstrates . . . Never Very Rarely Rarely Occasionally Frequently Always
1. imaginative thinking ability.
2. a sense of humor.
3. the ability to come up with unusual, unique, or clever
responses.
4. an adventurous spirit or a willingness to take risks.
5. the ability to generate a large number of ideas or
solutions to problems or questions.
6. a tendency to see humor in situations that may not
appear to be humorous to others.
7. the ability to adapt, improve, or modify objects or
ideas.
8. intellectual playfulness, a willingness to fantasize and
manipulate ideas.
9. a nonconforming attitude, does not fear being
different.
Add Column Total:
Multiply by Weight: 123456
Add Weighted Column Totals:
Scale Total:
1 11 1 1
Scoring:
• Add the total number of x’s in each column to obtain the “Column Total.”
• Multiply the “Column Total” by the “Weight” for each column to obtain the “Weighted Column Total.”
• Sum the “Weighted Column Totals” across to obtain the Score for each dimension of the scale.
• Enter the Scores for each dimension on the cover sheet.
SAMPLE
Do Not Reproduce.
STUDENT’S NAME (OR ASSIGNED CODE NO.): ________________________________________________________________________________
© 2013 Prufrock Press Inc. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without express permission of the publisher.
MOTIVATION CHARACTERISTICS
The student demonstrates . . . Never Very Rarely Rarely Occasionally Frequently Always
1. the ability to concentrate intently on a topic for a long
period of time.
2. behavior that requires little direction from teachers.
3. sustained interest in certain topics or problems.
4. tenacity for finding out information on topics of
interest.
5. persistent work on tasks even when setbacks occur.
6. a preference for situations in which he or she can
take personal responsibility for the outcomes of his or
her efforts.
7. follow-through behavior when interested in a topic or
problem.
8. intense involvement in certain topics or problems.
9. a commitment to long-term projects when interested in
a topic.
10. persistence when pursuing goals.
11. little need for external motivation to follow through in
work that is initially exciting.
Add Column Total:
Multiply by Weight: 123456
Add Weighted Column Totals:
Scale Total:
1 11 1 1
Scoring:
• Add the total number of x’s in each column to obtain the “Column Total.”
• Multiply the “Column Total” by the “Weight” for each column to obtain the “Weighted Column Total.”
• Sum the “Weighted Column Totals” across to obtain the Score for each dimension of the scale.
• Enter the Scores for each dimension on the cover sheet.
SAMPLE
Do Not Reproduce.
STUDENT’S NAME (OR ASSIGNED CODE NO.): ________________________________________________________________________________
© 2013 Prufrock Press Inc. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without express permission of the publisher.
LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS
The student demonstrates . . . Never Very Rarely Rarely Occasionally Frequently Always
1. responsible behavior, can be counted on to follow
through on activities/projects.
2. a tendency to be respected by classmates.
3. the ability to articulate ideas and communicate well
with others.
4. self-confidence when interacting with age peers.
5. the ability to organize and bring structure to things,
people, and situations.
6. cooperative behavior when working with others.
7. a tendency to direct an activity when he or she is
involved with others.
Add Column Total:
Multiply by Weight: 123456
Add Weighted Column Totals:
Scale Total:
1 11 1 1
Scoring:
• Add the total number of x’s in each column to obtain the “Column Total.”
• Multiply the “Column Total” by the “Weight” for each column to obtain the “Weighted Column Total.”
• Sum the “Weighted Column Totals” across to obtain the Score for each dimension of the scale.
• Enter the Scores for each dimension on the cover sheet.
SAMPLE
Do Not Reproduce.
STUDENT’S NAME (OR ASSIGNED CODE NO.): ________________________________________________________________________________
© 2013 Prufrock Press Inc. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without express permission of the publisher.
ARTISTIC CHARACTERISTICS
The student . . . Never Very Rarely Rarely Occasionally Frequently Always
1. likes to participate in art activities; is eager to visually
express ideas.
2. incorporates a large number of elements into artwork;
varies the subject and content of artwork.
3. arrives at unique, unconventional solutions to artistic
problems as opposed to traditional, conventional
ones.
4. concentrates for long periods of time on art projects.
5. willingly tries out different media; experiments with a
variety of materials and techniques.
6. tends to select art media for free activity or classroom
projects.
7. is particularly sensitive to the environment; is a keen
observer—sees the unusual, what may be overlooked
by others.
8. produces balance and order in artwork.
9. is critical of his or her own work; sets high standards
of quality; often reworks creation in order to refine it.
10. shows an interest in other students’ work—spends
time studying and discussing their work.
11. elaborates on ideas from other people—uses them as
a “jumping-off point” as opposed to copying them.
Add Column Total:
Multiply by Weight: 123456
Add Weighted Column Totals:
Scale Total:
1 11 1 1
Scoring:
• Add the total number of x’s in each column to obtain the “Column Total.”
• Multiply the “Column Total” by the “Weight” for each column to obtain the “Weighted Column Total.”
• Sum the “Weighted Column Totals” across to obtain the Score for each dimension of the scale.
• Enter the Scores for each dimension on the cover sheet.
SAMPLE
Do Not Reproduce.
STUDENT’S NAME (OR ASSIGNED CODE NO.): ________________________________________________________________________________
© 2013 Prufrock Press Inc. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without express permission of the publisher.
MUSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The student . . . Never Very Rarely Rarely Occasionally Frequently Always
1. shows a sustained interest in music—seeks out
opportunities to hear and create music.
2. perceives fine differences in musical tone (pitch,
loudness, timbre, duration).
3. easily remembers melodies and can produce them
accurately.
4. eagerly participates in musical activities.
5. plays a musical instrument (or indicates a strong
desire to).
6. is sensitive to the rhythm of music; responds to
changes in the tempo of music through body
movements.
7. is aware of and can identify a variety of sounds
heard at a given moment—is sensitive to
“background” noises, to chords that accompany
a melody, to the different sounds of singers or
instrumentalists in a performance.
Add Column Total:
Multiply by Weight: 123456
Add Weighted Column Totals:
Scale Total:
1 11 1 1
Scoring:
• Add the total number of x’s in each column to obtain the “Column Total.”
• Multiply the “Column Total” by the “Weight” for each column to obtain the “Weighted Column Total.”
• Sum the “Weighted Column Totals” across to obtain the Score for each dimension of the scale.
• Enter the Scores for each dimension on the cover sheet.
SAMPLE
Do Not Reproduce.
STUDENT’S NAME (OR ASSIGNED CODE NO.): ________________________________________________________________________________
© 2013 Prufrock Press Inc. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without express permission of the publisher.
DRAMATICS CHARACTERISTICS
The student . . . Never Very Rarely Rarely Occasionally Frequently Always
1. volunteers to participate in classroom plays or skits.
2. easily tells a story or gives an account of some
experience.
3. effectively uses gestures and facial expressions to
communicate feelings.
4. is adept at role-playing, improvising, acting out
situations “on the spot.”
5. can readily identify himself or herself with the moods
and motivations of characters.
6. handles body with ease and poise for his or her
particular age.
7. creates original plays or makes up plays from stories.
8. commands and holds the attention of a group when
speaking.
9. is able to evoke emotional responses from listeners —
can get people to laugh, frown, feel tense, etc.
10. can imitate others—is able to mimic the way people
speak, walk, gesture.
Add Column Total:
Multiply by Weight: 123456
Add Weighted Column Totals:
Scale Total:
1 11 1 1
Scoring:
• Add the total number of x’s in each column to obtain the “Column Total.”
• Multiply the “Column Total” by the “Weight” for each column to obtain the “Weighted Column Total.”
• Sum the “Weighted Column Totals” across to obtain the Score for each dimension of the scale.
• Enter the Scores for each dimension on the cover sheet.
SAMPLE
Do Not Reproduce.
STUDENT’S NAME (OR ASSIGNED CODE NO.): ________________________________________________________________________________
© 2013 Prufrock Press Inc. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without express permission of the publisher.
COMMUNICATION CHARACTERISTICS (PRECISION)
The student . . . Never Very Rarely Rarely Occasionally Frequently Always
1. speaks and writes directly and to the point.
2. modifies and adjusts expression of ideas for
maximum reception.
3. is able to revise and edit in a way that is concise, yet
retains essential ideas.
4. explains things precisely and clearly.
5. uses descriptive words to add color, emotion, and
beauty.
6. expresses thoughts and needs clearly and concisely.
7. can find various ways of expressing ideas so others
will understand.
8. can describe things in a few very appropriate words.
9. is able to express fine shades of meaning by using a
large stock of synonyms.
10. is able to express ideas in a variety of alternate
ways.
11. knows and can use many words closely related in
meaning.
Add Column Total:
Multiply by Weight: 123456
Add Weighted Column Totals:
Scale Total:
1 11 1 1
Scoring:
• Add the total number of x’s in each column to obtain the “Column Total.”
• Multiply the “Column Total” by the “Weight” for each column to obtain the “Weighted Column Total.”
• Sum the “Weighted Column Totals” across to obtain the Score for each dimension of the scale.
• Enter the Scores for each dimension on the cover sheet.
SAMPLE
Do Not Reproduce.
STUDENT’S NAME (OR ASSIGNED CODE NO.): ________________________________________________________________________________
© 2013 Prufrock Press Inc. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without express permission of the publisher.
COMMUNICATION CHARACTERISTICS (EXPRESSIVENESS)
The student . . . Never Very Rarely Rarely Occasionally Frequently Always
1. uses voice expressively to convey or enhance
meaning.
2. conveys information nonverbally through gestures,
facial expressions, and “body language.”
3. is an interesting storyteller.
4. uses colorful and imaginative figures of speech such
as puns and analogies.
Add Column Total:
Multiply by Weight: 123456
Add Weighted Column Totals:
Scale Total:
1 11 1 1
Scoring:
• Add the total number of x’s in each column to obtain the “Column Total.”
• Multiply the “Column Total” by the “Weight” for each column to obtain the “Weighted Column Total.”
• Sum the “Weighted Column Totals” across to obtain the Score for each dimension of the scale.
• Enter the Scores for each dimension on the cover sheet.
SAMPLE
Do Not Reproduce.
STUDENT’S NAME (OR ASSIGNED CODE NO.): ________________________________________________________________________________
© 2013 Prufrock Press Inc. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without express permission of the publisher.
PLANNING CHARACTERISTICS
The student . . . Never Very Rarely Rarely Occasionally Frequently Always
1. determines what information or resources are
necessary for accomplishing a task.
2. grasps the relationship of individual steps to a whole
process.
3. allows time to execute all steps involved in a process.
4. foresees consequences or effects of action.
5. organizes his or her work well.
6. takes into account the details necessary to
accomplish a goal.
7. is good at games of strategy where it is necessary to
anticipate several moves ahead.
8. recognizes the various alternative methods for
accomplishing a goal.
9. can pinpoint where areas of difficulty might arise in a
procedure or activity.
10. arranges steps of a project in a sensible order or time
sequence.
11. is good at breaking down an activity into step-by-step
procedures.
12. establishes priorities when organizing activities.
13. shows awareness of limitations relating to time, space,
materials, and abilities when working on group or
individual projects.
14. can provide details that contribute to the development
of a plan or procedure.
15. sees alternative ways to distribute work or assign
people to accomplish a task.
Add Column Total:
Multiply by Weight: 123456
Add Weighted Column Totals:
Scale Total:
1 11 1 1
SAMPLE
Do Not Reproduce.
STUDENT’S NAME (OR ASSIGNED CODE NO.): ________________________________________________________________________________
© 2013 Prufrock Press Inc. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without express permission of the publisher.
MATHEMATICS CHARACTERISTICS
The student . . . Never Very Rarely Rarely Occasionally Frequently Always
1. is eager to solve challenging math problems. (A
problem is defined as a task for which the solution is
not known in advance.)
2. organizes data and information to discover
mathematical patterns.
3. enjoys challenging math puzzles, games, and logic
problems.
4. understands new math concepts and processes more
easily than other students.
5. has creative (unusual and divergent) ways of solving
math problems.
6. displays a strong number sense (e.g., makes sense
of large and small numbers, estimates easily and
appropriately).
7. frequently solves math problems abstractly, without
the need for manipulatives or concrete materials.
8. has an interest in analyzing the mathematical
structure of a problem.
9. when solving a math problem, can switch strategies
easily, if appropriate or necessary.
10. regularly uses a variety of representations to explain
math concepts (written explanations, pictorial, graphic,
equations, etc.).
Add Column Total:
Multiply by Weight: 123456
Add Weighted Column Totals:
Scale Total:
1 11 1 1
Scoring:
• Add the total number of x’s in each column to obtain the “Column Total.”
• Multiply the “Column Total” by the “Weight” for each column to obtain the “Weighted Column Total.”
• Sum the “Weighted Column Totals” across to obtain the Score for each dimension of the scale.
• Enter the Scores for each dimension on the cover sheet.
SAMPLE
Do Not Reproduce.
STUDENT’S NAME (OR ASSIGNED CODE NO.): ________________________________________________________________________________
© 2013 Prufrock Press Inc. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without express permission of the publisher.
READING CHARACTERISTICS
The student . . . Never Very Rarely Rarely Occasionally Frequently Always
1. eagerly engages in reading related activities.
2. applies previously learned literary concepts to new
reading experiences.
3. focuses on reading for an extended period of time.
4. pursues advanced reading material.
5. demonstrates tenacity when posed with challenging
reading.
6. shows interest in reading other types of interest-based
reading materials.
Add Column Total:
Multiply by Weight: 123456
Add Weighted Column Totals:
Scale Total:
1 11 1 1
Scoring:
• Add the total number of x’s in each column to obtain the “Column Total.”
• Multiply the “Column Total” by the “Weight” for each column to obtain the “Weighted Column Total.”
• Sum the “Weighted Column Totals” across to obtain the Score for each dimension of the scale.
• Enter the Scores for each dimension on the cover sheet.
SAMPLE
Do Not Reproduce.
STUDENT’S NAME (OR ASSIGNED CODE NO.): ________________________________________________________________________________
© 2013 Prufrock Press Inc. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without express permission of the publisher.
TECHNOLOGY CHARACTERISTICS
The student . . . Never Very Rarely Rarely Occasionally Frequently Always
1. demonstrates a wide range of technology skills.
2. learns new software without formal training.
3. spends free time developing technology skills.
4. assists others with technology-related problems.
5. incorporates technology in developing creative
products/assignments/presentations.
6. eagerly pursues opportunities to use technology.
7. demonstrates more advanced technology skills than
other students his or her age.
Add Column Total:
Multiply by Weight: 123456
Add Weighted Column Totals:
Scale Total:
1 11 1 1
Scoring:
• Add the total number of x’s in each column to obtain the “Column Total.”
• Multiply the “Column Total” by the “Weight” for each column to obtain the “Weighted Column Total.”
• Sum the “Weighted Column Totals” across to obtain the Score for each dimension of the scale.
• Enter the Scores for each dimension on the cover sheet.
SAMPLE
Do Not Reproduce.
STUDENT’S NAME (OR ASSIGNED CODE NO.): ________________________________________________________________________________
© 2013 Prufrock Press Inc. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without express permission of the publisher.
SCIENCE CHARACTERISTICS
The student . . . Never Very Rarely Rarely Occasionally Frequently Always
1. demonstrates curiosity about scientific processes.
2. demonstrates creative thinking about scientific
debates or issues.
3. demonstrates enthusiasm in discussion of scientific
topics.
4. is curious about why things are as they are.
5. reads about science-related topics in his or her free
time.
6. expresses interest in science projects or research.
7. clearly articulates data interpretation.
Add Column Total:
Multiply by Weight: 123456
Add Weighted Column Totals:
Scale Total:
1 11 1 1
Scoring:
• Add the total number of x’s in each column to obtain the “Column Total.”
• Multiply the “Column Total” by the “Weight” for each column to obtain the “Weighted Column Total.”
• Sum the “Weighted Column Totals” across to obtain the Score for each dimension of the scale.
• Enter the Scores for each dimension on the cover sheet.
SAMPLE
Do Not Reproduce.
