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Think your child may require gifted services? The information below explains the process. Please read through all of the information prior to referring a student for identification and subsequent services. Please note that Lufkin ISD's referral period opens only certain times of the year, usually January-March.
For students already identified as gifted but are transferring from another district, please see "transfers" in the navigation menu at the top of this page.
The Referral Proces - Including Link to the Referral Form
The Referral Proces - Including Link to the Referral Form
Referral Process
Referral Process
Anyone may refer a student for testing: parent, guardian, teacher, counselor, student, community member, etc.
Students may test for kindergarten through 12th grades.
A student may test each year if did not qualify for services.
All kindergarten students are automatically screened in the spring. Families of qualifying students will be notified.
Step 1: Learn about what is and is not considered giftedness
Step 1: Learn about what is and is not considered giftedness
Giftedness comes in many shapes and forms and involves so much more than being "smart."
Bright, high-achieving students may not necessarily be gifted.
Underachieving students may actually be gifted.
Students with another diagnosis such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia may also be gifted (twice-exceptional).
Giftedness can be found in all cultures and economic backgrounds.
Please use the links below to read more about common behaviors and types of giftedness BEFORE completing a referral form.
Step 2: Attend a Parent Information Meeting
Step 2: Attend a Parent Information Meeting
The parent information meetings are mandatory for any parent interested in completing the referral process for his or her child. Note: Current kinder parents do not need to attend unless interested. All kindergarteners will automatically be screened in the spring of their kindergarten year.
Meeting dates will appear here and on the G/T homepage in December.
Step 3: Refer for Testing
Step 3: Refer for Testing
Part I
Click the Refferal Form button below to complete the referral form. You will have to create an account. Then, you can select "Gifted and Talented" from the list of program options.
The referral period for the 2026/2027 school year opens on January 13, 2026.
The referral period closes on February 27th, 2026.
If your child is new to the district, and it is passed these dates, please call the director.
Part 2:
As part of the referral process, your child’s current teacher/daycare worker, if there is one, should compete a Teacher Observation Inventory. This is not a recommendation form. It asks teachers to consider the behaviors often associated with gifted learners and asks which they have observed and how often.
If your child is currently a Lufkin ISD student, this form will be sent to your child’s teacher.
If your child is NOT a Lufkin ISD student, please download the form and have the teacher complete it. The teacher may send it directly or return to you to send. The address is included on the form.
Step 4: Testing
Step 4: Testing
The G/T office will reach out to schedule testing at the District Education Center at 701 N. 1st for students who do not currently attend a Lufkin ISD campus.
Current Lufkin ISD students will be tested at his or her home campus, unless the parent requests to test at DEC.
Step 5: Placement Decisions
Step 5: Placement Decisions
The G/T placement committee considers a body of evidence when making placement decisions.
When the committee considers the body of evidence, it does so blindly, meaning it does not know the child's name in order to create an equitable process.
It considers both quantitative (standardized testing) and qualitative (observational) data when making the decision.
The committee must decide who requires services into order to meet their educational needs and who can have their needs met through differentiation in the regular classroom.
Decisions Sent
Decisions Sent
Placement decisions will be sent the week of April 17, 2026.
What do decisions mean?
What do decisions mean?
The committee will determine, based on the evidence collected, if the child requires gifted and talented services at this time.
Those who do not qualify for services have several options:
As long as one of the assessment scores equals a 110 standard score or above, you may appeal the decision.
Students may be retested each year.
Additional Information
Additional Information
Qualified for Services. Now what?
Qualified for Services. Now what?
Based on grade level and area(s) of identification, the placement committee will make recommendations for the type of service the student will receive and location fo services.
Have questions? Contact Alison Hillis for more information.
Have questions? Contact Alison Hillis for more information.
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