Gifted & Talented - Spring Branch Independent School District

Overview

SBISD has developed a three-level identification process to efficiently assess students’ needs for the special educational services provided in the Gifted and Talented Program. This three-level process is designed to be student-centered.

SBISD honors test scores for two years, beginning in 1^st grade. Exceptions are made only for medical reasons documented by a physician. Students may be referred each year, but the previous year’s test scores will be utilized.

GT Identification Process

Referral Process

Level One

Level Two

Norm-referenced abilities testing is administered to gather data on verbal, quantitative, and non-verbal sub-tests. Students can be identified GT in either Language Arts/Social Studies and/or Mathematics/Science at the end of Level 2. If a child was tested in Level 2 during the previous school year, they will not be tested two consecutive years. New data collected in Level 1 and last year's test scores will be reviewed by the identification committee. This rule does not apply to first grade students. If students were referred in kindergarten, did not qualify for services, and are referred again in first grade, testing will only occur if a child advances to level 2. Parents are notified of results by letter from the school in early March. Students new to SBISD that tested during the summer may not be tested again during the school year.

Level Three

Appeals

GT Services

K, 1st, 2nd

Primary Gifted Program (PGP)

In addition to appropriate differentiation in the classroom, GT services are provided through a pull-out program that takes place at their home campuses. Students are pulled out of their classrooms for services 90 to 120 minutes a week. Pull-out instruction focuses on the development of independent research skills, developing products and on meeting the social-emotional needs of GT students.

3rd, 4th, 5th

SPIRAL

In addition to appropriate differentiation in the classroom, identified GT students in grades 3-5 are offered GT services through a pull-out program that takes place at the Bendwood campus. Students are bussed from their home campuses one day a week for a full day of services with identified GT students from other campuses. Instruction in the SPIRAL program at Bendwood is interdisciplinary. Units of study are designed to provide the depth and complexity that GT students need, while also addressing their social-emotional needs.

LINK to BENDWOOD

Secondary

Identified GT students in grades 6-12 are provided services specific to their identified areas of giftedness: language arts/social studies and/or mathematics/science. GT students may be grouped in GT-only classes, clustered in Pre-AP/AP classes, or IB classes. The grouping varies by school, grade level, and subject area. Check with your school for additional information.

Acceleration

Acceleration is offered in math as a single subject or a whole grade can be skipped. The passing requirements are different depending if students have had prior instruction.

Credit by Exam is offered four times a year, once in June and once in July, at the SBISD Administration Building, and once in the fall and once in the spring at the student’s home campus.

Each campus receives information regarding acceleration and credit by examination. Registration for exams other than Spanish and French begins the week after Spring Break each year.

The school counselor at each campus is the contact for credit by exam testing.

More information, dates, and forms can be found here:LINK TO CBE TESTING PAGE

Important Dates

GT Level 1 evaluation results sent - mid November 2019

GT Level 2 evaluation results sent - late February 2020

Identified KINDERGARTEN students begin receiving GT services - March 1, 2020

***Online window for SBAI applications - March 30 - April 13, 2020

***Note: SBAI is a Spring Branch Choice School option for profoundly gifted students (documented IQs of 145+). Qualification requirements and application process differ from the district's standard GT referral program in the fall. Please see the SBAI page for more details.

GT Appeals due - Apr 27, 2020

Appeals results sent - late May 2020

Additional Forms and Information

The 2019-20 GT Referral window is now closed! Level 1 result letters will be sent home from campuses in mid-November.

If you have any questions about the referral or identification process, please contact your campus counselor.

Should I refer my Child?

-copy of presentation

-GT Brochure

-GT Brochure (Spanish)

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