Does my student qualify for GT Services?

• • Those who meet the criteria for GT services must earn exceptionally high scores on multiple assessments.

  • Percentile scoring compares students nationally and by age versus percent correct scoring.

  • Students who score in the top 5-6% show an ACADEMIC NEED for services in Belton ISD.
    
    

What testing does Belton ISD use?

Belton ISD uses the NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test) which s a nonverbal test used for qualifying K-12 students for gifted and talented programs. It is a group-administered aptitude test commonly given as an entrance exam into schools’ gifted programs. The NNAT utilizes shapes and figures to evaluate the problem-solving and reasoning abilities of a child without relying on their language skills. In other words, the NNAT assesses how a student thinks instead of what a student knows.  For more information, please click here.  

If the student has taken the NNAT within a calender year, then the student will be assessed using the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT).

Is my student a good candidate for GT Services?

If you have questions about the decision to refer your child, please contact your child's homeroom teacher at the elementary level or school counselor at the secondary level. Your child's classroom teacher may be a good resource for information about how your child is performing in class and whether or not GT services might benefit your child at this time. Approximately 5% of students qualify for gifted programs. Very bright students may not qualify. Early readers, all A's, and high STAAR scores are excellent, but that is not always an indicator of giftedness.