Gifted and Talented Overview

What does it mean for a student to be identified for gifted and talented services?

A gifted/talented student performs at or shows the potential for performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment. 

Gifted students:

  • exhibit high performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area;
  • possess an unusual capacity for leadership; or
  • excel in a specific academic field. (Texas Education Code §29.121)

SBISD has developed an identification process to efficiently assess a student's need for the special educational services provided in the Gifted and Talented Program. This process is designed to be student-centered and collect a preponderance of data to determine if a student is in need of gifted services.  

Please scroll down to the Referral Events section to find the appropriate referral link for your child.

GT Identification Process

Timeline

GT Identification Timeline

Each year, the GT Referral Window is open from the start of the school year until October 20th.  

"Should I Refer My Child for Gifted Services?" Information Meeting 
GT Referrals must be submitted by the Oct. 20th deadline.

October - January
     G/T evaluations on campuses

Results sent to parents and
     guardians on or before
     March 1st through Skyward

When will services begin?Services for identified Kindergarten students will begin the first week of March following identification. 

1st Grade and older students will begin services in the fall of the year following G/T identification. 

Referral Events

SBISD Referral Window (for SBISD Students Only):

The SBISD Referral Window is for students attending classes on an SBISD campus and is open each year from the start of the school year through mid-October.  During the referral window, please, complete an online referral to initiate the evaluation process.  Referrals can be submitted for Kindergarten - 11th grade students, excluding KIPP Courage and YES Prep at Northbrook.  Students can be evaluated annually. 

Note:  The regular referral link may appear broken outside of the referral window and submissions are time-stamped.  Likewise, this link will not work for students who are not currently enrolled in SBISD.

Referral Link for SBISD students ONLY*:  online referral form (español - Tiếng Việt)


"New-to-SBISD Students" G/T Referral Process:
SBISD has two referral links for transfer students; please read carefully to determine which referral is appropriate for your child.

1) Students that Previously Received Gifted Services:
Prior to completing your G/T referral, please email your child's name, birthdate, and current grade level, along with G/T test records from the previous district confirming your child's G/T status.  The Advanced Academics office will review your child's records and contact you to let you know that the platform is ready for your child's transfer referral (Note:  If you try submitting a transfer referral before we create your child's profile, the transfer referral will not submit correctly).  Once your child's profile has been created, please complete the transfer referral form (español) at the time your child is transferring into SBISD (If your child will transfer to the district at the beginning of the school year, please complete the transfer referral anytime after Spring Break).

2) Students that have NOT Previously Received Gifted Services:
If your child is transferring to SBISD from out-of-state, home-school, or from a private school where gifted services were not available, please, use this option to refer your child for G/T consideration at SBISD.  You will be able to submit any previous testing you have for your child, or if you have no previous records, that is also okay.  The Advanced Academics office will review any records and contact you with next steps.  For Option 2, please complete the the Off-Cycle Parent Referral form (Note:  This referral link is open only between late March and mid-August and is inactive during the regular school year).  We do our best to properly assess and place your child for the up-coming school year.

GT Services

Odyssey of the Mind

SBISD is within Odyssey of the Mind's HARO region

Odyssey of the Mind is a program that allows student teams to work together to solve problems using innovation and creativity. 

Odyssey of the Mind Information Meetings
All Regioins- Condensed Caoch Training (via webinar)  Saturday, October 21  4:00-6:00  Sign up at txodyssey.org. Region Finals  February 24  at San Jacinto College, South Campus State Finals     March 23  (Dallas Area) World Finals -Iowa State University May 21-25

Website with sign up links:  www.txodyssey.org 

Camp Invention      June 10-14th camp is full/closed to a wait list Camp Invention     Date:  June 24-28, 2024                               Location:  Houston Christian High School                               2700 W Sam Houston Pkwy N                               Grades:  Incoming K-6th                               Times:  9:00-3:30 Camp Invention    Date:  July 15-19, 2024                               Location:  Spring Woods Baptist Church                               10131 Emnora Lane                               Grades:  Incoming K-6th                               Times:  9:00-3:30

To find a team at your school, or to create and coach a team, please contact Iris Story – omers5@aol.com – for more information. 


Odyssey of the Mind Brochure 
(
Folleto en español Odisea de la mente)


Tracy Scholz
Director,
Advanced Academic Studies
Tracy.Scholz@springbranchisd.com


Raquel Castro
Administrative Assistant,
Advanced Academic Studies
Raquel.Castro@springbranchisd.com


Linda Bimler
GT Facilitator,
Advanced Academic Studies
Linda.Bimler@springbranchisd.com

  Phone:  713.251.1901