Sanger Independent School District
Gifted and Talented
Gifted and Talented Program
The Gifted and Talented Program is dedicated to recognizing and nurturing the extraordinary abilities and talents of students within Sanger ISD. To ensure an equitable and thorough selection process, screening procedures are established in accordance with best practices and educational standards. This policy delineates the screening process for admission into the Gifted and Talented Program.
GT Coordinator
Heather Donaldson
Facilitator, Teacher
Butterfield Elementary School, Chisholm Trail Elementary School, Sanger Sixth Grade Campus, Clear Creek Elementary School
Screening Criteria
Kindergarten Screening:
Kindergarten students will undergo screening annually in January. The screening will predominantly utilize a Creative Thinking Assessment designed to assess creativity, problem-solving skills, and the potential for innovative thought processes. Students meeting the criteria on the screener will be recommended for Gifted and Talented testing and consideration for the program. The assessment will be completed by the end of January.
First and Second Grade Screening:
Students in first and second grade will be screened based on their performance in the top 15% of beginning-of-the-year district assessments. Screening for these grades will involve the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), a nationally recognized assessment tool crafted to measure cognitive development. Students meeting the criteria on the screener will be recommended for Gifted and Talented testing and consideration for the program. Gifted and Talented testing will be conducted in September for students identified through the screening process.
Referral Process
Parents and teachers can nominate students for the Gifted and Talented Program at the following times during the year:
|
Grades 1-12 Teacher and Parent Referral Window |
Opens the 1st Monday in October, Closes the 3rd Thursday in October |
Parents are notified of the results in late December. Students will begin services by the start of the 2nd semester. |
| Kindergarten Teacher and Parent Referral Window | Opens the 1st Monday in January, Closes the last Thursday in January | Parents are notified of the results in April. Students will begin services at the start of their 1st grade school year. |
| Grades 1-12 Teacher Referral Window | Open the 1st Monday in February, Closes the 3rd Thursday in February | Parents are notified of the results in April. Students will begin services at the start of the following school year. |
Program Placement
Students who meet the district gifted education program criteria will be considered by the campus committee for participation in the program. Parents will receive notification letters and/or communication from the Gifted and Talented Program Coordinator.