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    NEISD Gifted and Talented Program Testing Information

     

    Referral for Services

    Parents, teachers, counselors, or administrative personnel may refer a student for GT services.  Not all students who are referred for testing may qualify for services.  To qualify, students must demonstrate an academic need for enrichment and must score in the 95 percentile or higher on the majority of nationally normed testing administered.

     

    Referral Deadline Testing Window
    September 13: 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th  September
    October 18: 2nd grade October (Universal Screening)
    December 31: Kindergarten January & February 
    March 8: 5th-to-6th graders January (Universal Screening) & February 

    Transfer students 

    with GT status and documentation

    		 Ongoing

     

     

     

     

    Testing FAQs

    Who is a good candidate for GT testing?

    The GT program in NEISD is designed to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of students performing 2-5 years above grade level academically.  If you have questions about the decision to refer your child, please contact his or her campus GT teacher at the elementary level or counselor at the secondary level.  Your child’s classroom teacher may also be a good resource for information about how your child is performing in class and whether or not a GT placement might benefit your child at this time.

    How do I refer my child for GT testing?

    If you feel your child displays characteristics of a gifted learner, click HERE to refer your child for testing.

    What kind of testing will be administered?

    • Nationally normed achievement tests which compare students at the same grade in content-specific skills: Reading, Written Expression, and/or Math
    • Ability testing which compares students of the same age in verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning

    Are STAAR scores used in determining placement?

    Although STAAR scores may be included in anecdotal evidence, the state test is not an appropriate measurement for GT identification.  STAAR is a criterion-referenced test designed to assess the degree to which the state’s curriculum has been mastered by a student.  STAAR does not assess knowledge and skills which are considered above grade level.  

    Are grades considered in determining placement?

    Grades can be considered by the placement committee. However, high grades do not guarantee a student’s placement nor do low grades eliminate a student from consideration.  Grades are a measure of how well a student is performing on grade level tasks and may or may not indicate a student’s giftedness.

    Who will determine if my child qualifies for gifted services?

    A committee of at least three district personnel who have been trained in the nature, needs and identification of gifted students will determine the placement of each child.  This committee could include the GT teacher, counselor, administrator, GT Instructional Specialist, GT coordinator, or other trained district personnel.

    Once my child qualifies for GT, does he or she have to be tested again?

    NEISD has three levels of GT programming; a K-2 program which ends at the end of second grade, a 3-5 program which ends at the end of 5th grade, and a secondary program which may include Math, English, and elective options.  Once a child qualifies for a specific level, he or she remains in the GT program until the end of that level but will need to retest for the next level of the program.  For example, a 3rd grade student who qualifies at the beginning of third grade will remain in the GT 3-5 program until the end of fifth grade without further testing, but will be reassessed for continuation in the secondary program.

    If my child does not qualify this year, can he or she be reassessed?

    Students may be assessed once each school year.  However, nationally normed testing data is valid for up to two years.  This means that some scores earned in a previous grade may be used in determining placement for the following year.  

    If my child does not qualify for services and I have questions, who should I ask?

    Please contact Ms. Quick (mquick1@neisd.net) for any questions, concerns, or information on testing. All reconsideration requests must be made within 10 days of receipt of student assessment notification.