What is the first step for getting my child into EXPO? The first step is to fill out a referral form (also known as a nomination form). Once the referral form is complete the remaining required forms will follow (i.e. parent survey & permission to test form).
Where can I get a referral form? You can get a referral form from the EXPO teacher by requesting by email or in person. Sjohnson4@dentonisd.org
I returned the forms, when will you begin testing my child? I ask that you please be patient. I may be testing other students and just haven't gotten to your child yet, but no worries-I will get to them as soon as I can. I test one grade level at a time.
My child has been tested before and did not qualify, can they be tested again? Yes, students may be tested 1 full calendar year from their last testing date. Therefore, if your child was tested in the spring they may not be tested in the fall of the following year, but may be tested the following spring.
When will I find out if my child made it into EXPO? If your child qualified for the program in the fall, you will be notified in December. If your child qualified for the program in the spring, you will be notified in May. Kindergarten will be notified in February.
My child qualified for EXPO, when will they begin attending the class? If your child qualified for the program in the fall, they will begin attending class in December. If your child qualified for the program in the spring, they will begin class in the fall of the following year. Kindergarten will begin in March.
What type of test do the students take to qualify for the EXPO program? Each student will take 3 types of tests : Achievement test which tests their reading and math knowledge; Abilities Test which assesses verbal, quantitative and nonverbal abilities; Creativity Test which assesses their level of creativity.
Can kindergarten students test for EXPO? Yes, kindergarten students are tested at mid-year. Qualifying kindergarten students will being attending EXPO class in late February to early March.
Does my child's teacher have to refer them or can I refer them? No, referrals may come from faculty/staff, parents, community members, or at the secondary level, by self-referral.
My child was in a gifted program at a school in another district, what should I do? Students transferring to the Denton Independent School District from a gifted and talented program at their previous school will be assessed to determine if placement into the EXPO Program would be beneficial. Assessment of transfer students will take place within six weeks of enrollment. Transfer students must meet the criteria set by the Denton Independent School District’s Gifted and Talented Program.
How can I help my gifted child at home? Encourage students to do their best (to take a risk; persevere)
Monitor progress on long-term projects
Hold students accountable for their own work and actions
Don’t do the work/thinking for them; allow them to struggle and be a bit uncomfortable
Provide resources for your child to support their interests and curiosity
Don’t accept a simple answer...always ask them “Why?” “How do you know?” “What would happen if…?” Get them to justify their answers. Ex: 10x10=100. "How do you know that? What would happen if it was 10x9? What's another way you can solve that?"
What does EXPO service look like?
Pull-out Class for K-5
Kindergarten: 45 minutes per week beginning in March
Grades 1-5: 2 ½ hours per week
Grades 6-8: Daily scheduled class (ELAR)
Grades 9-12: Students are required to take Pre-AP/AP, Dual-credit, &/or IB classes.