Nominations for GT Program

Grades 3-5(6) will be tested during the Fall Semester to ensure these students are not having to participate in the GT Screening Process in the same semester as the state required STAAR testing. This will increase the focus on GT testing and ensure that newly identified 5th grade students will be able to select the appropriate courses for middle school by the choice sheet deadlines in February.

Grades K-2 will be tested during the Spring Semester to ensure our youngest students have an opportunity to work at their highest levels during the assessment process. Experts agree that younger students need a few months time to adjust to the new school year which can increase their maturity level and attention span which are needed to successfully complete all assessment items.

The ultimate goal is to ensure that all students are given an opportunity to showcase their academic potential and best work during the GT Screening Process.

All nominated students must have parent permission to test before the school can proceed with Online CogAT Testing. The CogAT test is available in English and Spanish. Students will use headphones/ear buds during testing as the online testing system will read all directions to the students in grades 3-12 and all directions and test items to students in grades K-2.

Testing modifications will be honored for students who require 504 or Special Education accomodations.

Teachers will also provide students opportunities to complete the following required student portfolio items at school:

• Common Assessment- District created Humanities and STEM activities
• Student Voice and Choice Assessment- Independent student project on a topic of interest that connects to a real-world topic or issue

Students can participate in GT Screening once per school year and can be retested at a later grade level if they do not currently qualify for gifted services.

Students who are identified as gifted in Language Arts and/or Social Studies will participate in the GT Humanities Program.

Students identified as gifted in Math and/or Science will participate in the GT STEM Program.

Students may be eligible to participate in both the GT Humanities and STEM Programs.

A wide variety of exemplar lessons, advanced curriculum options, resources, and other academic options are provided to teachers to support gifted services throughout the school year. Most of the resources are structured according to the Humanities and STEM programs. Teachers of gifted students are also required to complete GT training each school year to keep up with current research and best practices in gifted education.

GT students will be provided with regular opportunities to:

• Work with a small group of gifted children in the classroom
• Work with other students in the classroom
• Work on independent learning assignments and projects

At the end of each semester, teachers will send home a copy of the GT Student Service Summary to inform parents/guardians of the GT Academic and Curricular Options provided to the student that semester