Identification

Who can request Gifted and Talented identification testing?

Testing can be requested by teachers, students, parents/guardians, counselors, or administrators throughout the school year. Students in grades K-2 are encouraged to wait until their GT Planned Experiences and/or aptitude assessments indicate GT testing readiness. Students identified as GT in other public school districts, who provide acceptable testing documentation, will begin GT Services as soon as their documentation is received and approved by the district and permission is granted from the parent.

How will the GT testing be administered?

If permission is given, your child will be pulled out of the regular classroom for 6-9 small group testing sessions. Testing sessions are arranged between the GT facilitator and the classroom teacher and will not exceed one hour in length at a time. There are generally six testing opportunities for testing throughout the year. The testing is on-going and the time for testing depends on when the request is made. The facilitator will process the requests in a timely manner but it is a lengthy process.

How will my student qualify for identified GT Services?

After the tests are complete, the facilitator will compile the data, review the information, and carefully consider results with a campus selection committee. The campus recommendations will be sent to the district screening committee for review and placement recommendations.

How will I be notified of the GT identification testing results?

At the end of the testing round, after the district selection committee has met, your child will bring home a sealed letter informing you of their placement recommendation.

If the student qualifies for identified GT Services, it is encouraged that you set up a conference to meet the GT Facilitator, go over the data gathered, and discuss your child.

If the child does not qualify, they must wait at least one calendar year before retesting.

If my child qualifies for identified GT Services, what services will be provided?

Identified GT Services are designed to develop critical and creative thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and reference skills for students demonstrating gifted abilities. The specific services each student receives vary, depending on the student’s placement recommendation and emerging educational, social, and emotional needs. Specific services begin in third grade.

How do I start the GT identification process?

Complete a GT Testing Referral and Permission to test form and return to the classroom teacher or to Mrs. J. Martinez. These forms can be obtained by contacting and discussing your referral with your child's teacher.

Kindergarteners are tested only after January 1 of the kindergarten school year and although possible, testing is not encouraged for the primary grades (k-2) as the services for this age students is classroom visits rather than pull-out classes.