Frequently Asked Questions

I am new to Marion School District, and my child was identified as being gifted in another state and/or another district in Arkansas. Is he/she automatically placed into your gifted program? 

Each district/state establishes guidelines/parameters for identification of gifted students. Therefore, each district/state has the ability to assess a student who is new to the district.  Students are not automatically placed in the TEAM GT program. We require thorough documentation of previous GT testing and placement to determine the placement in the TEAM GT Program. In the event that previous records are not in alignment with MSD TEAM GT policy for identification, additional testing may be required.  Parents will be notified and permission to test must be received prior to any additional testing. If previous records are in alignment to TEAM GT policy for identification, no additional testing will be required. We also conduct an observation period of no more than 4 weeks to gain observation data from teachers. A TEAM GT Placement Committee will meet to review the students records and observations and make a recommendation for placement or non-placement.  Parents will receive notice of the placement committee's recommendation. If TEAM GT services are recommended, parents must sign the GT TEAM permission form before students may attend any TEAM classes.  

 Is there a limit to how many students are identified each year for GT services? 

There is no specific number of students referred or identified.  There is no minimum or maximum. 

Does my child have to re-qualify for services within the TEAM GT program?

 No. Unless the program is not meeting the needs of an identified student, he/she remains in the gifted program from one grade to the next. Students’ files are reviewed each year which provides assurance for continuation of gifted services and long term identification.

Does Marion School District identify elementary gifted students?

 Formal identification of gifted students does not occur until the beginning of 4th grade with formal GT testing referrals beginning at the end of 3rd grade   All students in grades K-3 receive Whole Group Enrichment (Discovery class) which is required by the Arkansas Department of Education.   Marion School District extends Whole Group Enrichment to grades 4-6 for all students as well.  

Is there a cut off that my child must reach on the I.Q. test?

 The placement committee will review all subjective and objective measures and criteria to determine placement.  At least 2 subjective and 2 objective measures are required. There is no cutoff score. 

If I would like to refer my child for GT testing, who do I contact? 

If you would like to refer your child for GT testing, you may contact 

 MSD Gifted and Talented Coordinator, Leah Schmidt. 

lschmidt@msd3.org    870-735-4588