LISD Gifted & Talented Services
Application Deadline February 24, 2024
Please read all the information here about gifted and talented BEFORE completing an application.
Texas Definition of Gifted and Talented
A gifted/talented student is a child or youth who 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 and who
- exhibits high-performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area;
- possesses an unusual capacity for leadership; or
- excels in a specific academic field. (Texas Education Code §29.121)
Information to Know Before Completing an Application
Most Common Characteristics of Gifted Children
For an extensive list in English and Spanish, click here: https://rb.gy/znp9uq
Data Used to Assess
A placement committee determines if the data reveals that the child displays gifted characteristics by comparing their abilities to others their age, environment, and experience (per the state plan.)
Preparation
Please Read Before Completing the Application
It is important to understand that readiness for gifted services can vary depending on the child and the specific program or services being considered. Also, giftedness is not just about being smart. It is about HOW a child is smart because giftedness is a brain-based difference. Many bright children do not qualify for gifted services because they have to demonstrate that they have the potential to perform well above others their age, environment, or experience. Many bright children do not require the academic interventions provided in gifted services to be successful. It is also important to note that potential for giftedness does not necessarily guarantee success in any particular area. Other factors such as a child’s environment and opportunities for development also play a role in their growth, development, and success in gifted services.
Testing Application
Step 1
Please read each step carefully:
Step 1: Complete the online application. Click the button below.
OR, for a printed copy, call 936-630-4254.
Step 2
Step 2:
(Non-Lufkin ISD Students) Please download and print the Teacher Observation Inventory by clicking the button below. Please give to a teacher who knows and has observed the child. The teacher can mail/email to the office of Advanced Academics. If you would like us to email it to a teacher, please call 936-630-4254.
(Current Lufkin ISD Students) The Department of Advanced Academics will contact your child's current teacher to complete a Teacher Observation Inventory.
If you would like a paper copy of the application or have any difficulty with the forms, call 936-630-4254 or email mlhaynes@lufkinisd.org.
Scheduling the Test
For students attending a Lufkin ISD campus, a note will go home in your child's folder informing you that testing will happen on campus during a particular period. Testing on campuses will begin in early February. You will also receive a note indicating testing has occurred. If you do not wish your child to be tested on campus, please call 936-630-4254. You may also call the number to set up testing at the District Education Center.
How will the child be tested?
- These students will take their assessment one-on-one with a trained test administrator.
Students entering 1st grade and up next year (current kinder and up):
- These students will be tested in a group. The younger the student, the smaller the group.
Testing
- Students currently enrolled in LISD will be tested on their campuses. Parents will be notified by email or phone in advance. Parents may also choose to have the child tested at the District Education Center. If you would prefer this choice, call 936-630-4254 to set up testing.
- Parents with students not enrolled in LISD will be contacted to set up an appointment for testing.
Notification of Results of Testing
- Letters with results will be mailed by March 29th. (This is the same date that Dual Language will be sending its results as well).
Deadline to Accept or Appeal
- Parents wishing to appeal the decision for particular reasons have until April 19 to do so. The appeal form is available on the LISD Gifted and Talented main page under RESOURCES.
Other Important Information
Important Information
- Gifted services are primarily provided to K-2nd graders at Dunbar Primary and to 3rd-5th graders at Brandon Elementary only. LMS and LHS both provide services for secondary gifted students.
- Some students entering kindergarten also participating in the dual language program may receive gifted services at Burley IF THEY MEET CERTAIN QUALIFICATIONS. The student must achieve a superior score in verbal thinking and will receive services in verbal ability ONLY. Not every student who qualifies for both dual language and gifted services will be offered both at Burley.