Frequently Asked Questions
How do I have my child tested? Testing for the Gifted and Talented Program (GT) in Lockhart ISD occurs at least twice a year. A referral can be made by a parent, a teacher, or even a student. In order to undergo testing, however, a parent signature must be on file. The referral form (when it is open) can be found on the district homepage or here. Referral period is opens in October. An online form will be used to for this.
If you are transferring to Lockhart from another district and your child was in a gifted program, please contact the school facilitator for the GT program at that school for information about testing him or her.
Should I test my child? Review the information provided on this website and discuss this with your child's classroom teacher. Consider the maturity of your child. Testing is a lengthy process and you should consider carefully and thoughtfully if you would like to have your child tested subsequent years.
Why does the testing take so long? Lockhart administers "at least three different" measures when evaluating students for identification. This is in accordance with the State Plan for Gifted and Talented Education. We also collect portfolio and/or anecdotal information in order to make the best decision for your child's education. Lockhart tests for creativity as well as aptitude or ability.
What if my child does not speak English? The tests administered include non-verbal tests, as well as tests which can be administered in Spanish. Please contact the school's GTfacilitator for more information about this.
When is the testing? Once a referral has been initiated, testing will occur during the next open "window." These are at least twice a year, once in October/November and once in the Spring, but occasionally more often. Upon completion of testing and gathering evidence from multiple sources, a district committee will meet to make a determination on your child's placement. Your child will be pulled at various times during the day and administered the various tests. It is not necessary to "prepare" your child or do any "practice tests." Your child will not miss lunch to undergo testing. We try to avoid having them miss specials or recess also.
When will I find out the results? The district committee will meet once all the testing is completed. You will receive notification by USPS after the meeting, which should be about a month after testing. If you would like to review your child's test scores, you are welcome to contact the school and set up an appointment.
What if my child is identified for services? Depending on when your child is tested and identified, he or she will start being pulled out of the regular classroom once or twice a week for GT classes at the beginning of the next 9-week grading period. If your child is not in a GT Cluster Classroom in elementary, with a teacher who has received 30 hours of training for serving gifted and talented students and has other identified GT students in it, he or she will be placed in one of these classes.
What if my child is not identified for services? You may contact the school and ask for a meeting to review the scores. Many Lockhart teachers are trained in gifted education and are able to differentiate and modify instruction for advanced students. We pride ourselves on the ability to meet the needs of all our learners, regardless of any identifying labels.
How much homework will my child have in GT? Lockhart is primarily a creativity-based gifted program, but also uses research-based strategies designed for meeting the needs of gifted students. Independent study is a major component of the GT program, so your child may be expected to complete some research at home. Academic performance in the regular classroom is also closely monitored and the GT teacher and classroom teachers will often collaborate to create the best learning plan for your child.
Will my child have to do classwork/homework from the homeroom as well as the GT classroom? Your child's GT schedule may vary depending on the campus due to GT teachers covering 2-3 campuses, but an attempt was made at all campuses to coordinate GT classroom time with intervention time where possible. Your child's classroom teacher and GTteacher will communicate regularly about your child's needs. If you have concerns about the work level or schedule, please contact the GT facilitator at your child's school.
What if I want my child to "try it out for a few weeks" and then exit if it does not work? This is not usually done as it can be traumatic for a child to be switched around from class to class. Once placed in a GT class, we would expect that instruction to remain in place for at least a semester before making any changes. Although your child does not need to undergo testing again once identified for needing gifted services, we will monitor his/her progress to ensure that services continue to be appropriate.
How many children are in GT? Lockhart ISD currently has an average of about 5% of its students identified and receiving gifted services. There is not a "limit" or a quota number for identification. Identification is based on determination of need for services.
What if I still have questions about TAG? Please feel free to contact me either by email: yvonne.garcia@lockhart.txed.net