ELEMENTARY REFERRAL INFORMATION

Qualification for services is demonstrated through performance on standardized aptitude and achievement tests, as well as gifted/talented characteristic scales, planned learning experiences, classroom observations, and student work samples.

While many students may benefit from specialized services, LISD's G/T services are designed for students who have demonstrated a need for them through data collection and testing.

Students must be enrolled in Lewisville ISD to be eligible for assessment.

Gifted and Talented testing may be requested by teachers, students, parents/guardians, counselors, or administrators throughout the school year.

Prior to initiating a formal testing referral, parents/guardians are encouraged to schedule a conference with the classroom teacher and/or campus G/T Facilitator to determine the ideal time for each student to enter the formal identification process.

All referrals are made to the campus G/T Facilitator.

No referrals are accepted after the end of the 3rd 9 weeks grading period.

Parents seeking to refer grade 5 students during second semester should complete the Secondary G/T Referral Form, as these students will be assessed during the summer before beginning middle school.

In kindergarten through second grade, all LISD students benefit from universal experiences used to identify students who need gifted/talented services.

This process includes the following conducted by the campus G/T Facilitator in K-2.

• Year-long classroom observations and lessons focused on increased depth and complexity
• Planned experiences designed to elicit specific behaviors and characteristics of gifted children

Data collected from the experiences above is used to create a talent pool of students to watch through second grade.

LISD conducts online universal assessments during the fall semester for grade 2 students. This replaces the ability assessment phase for gifted/talented (G/T) qualification that typically takes place after a formal parent or staff referral in grades K-5.

Universal screening takes place during the spring semester for grade 4 students. This screening is used to identify students who qualify for a gifted/talented (G/T) services referral which includes the administration of additional ability tests.

Those students whose data indicates potential need for gifted/talented services may qualify for a formal referral.

The complete qualification process, from referral to the communication of placement results, should take approximately 9 - 12 weeks depending on the amount of data collection necessary for an accurate determination of service recommendations.

No advanced preparation is necessary for gifted/talented testing. Assessments are designed to determine if a student may benefit from gifted/talented services. Using preparatory materials or resources prior to testing may invalidate the results.

Students receiving gifted/talented services in other school districts, who can provide acceptable assessment and qualification process documentation, may continue services in LISD without formal reevaluation.

Enrolling in a new school can be challenging for students and their well-being is always a top priority.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to allow children at least one grading period (approximately 9 week) of transition time before beginning a formal referral for gifted/talented testing.This provides the student an opportunity to get settled and also allows time for the classroom teacher to learn more about their specific needs.

Students may only be assessed for gifted/talented services once every 12 months.

It is important to consider a student's social-emotional well being when referring a student multiple times throughout the elementary years.

When deciding if you should refer your child multiple times, consider the child's instructional needs and response to potentially testing and not qualifying. Students often internalize this as a failure because they do not understand the nature of this kind of assessment and process.

K-8 students may also test to move ahead one grade level through Credit by Acceleration.

Students must be enrolled in Lewisville ISD to be eligible for assessment.

All Credit by Acceleration testing is coordinated by LISD's Counseling Department.

We strive to identify and engage a diverse population of gifted/talented students, build relationships that support student growth, ignite within students a desire for learning, and provide services and supports to meet students' unique social-emotional and educational needs every day.

Elementary Contact

Koby Stringer, Elementary Gifted & Talented Services Administrator

Email: stringerk@lisd.net
Website: https://www.lisd.net/Page/1721
Location: 1565 West Main Street, Lewisville, TX 75067, USA
Phone: 469-948-8054
Twitter: @LISD_GT