GT Identification Process: From Referral to Results

1. GT Identification Process: From Referral to Results

2. Step 1: Complete referral form online • Referral forms are available online. • Go to https://secure.fortbendisd.com/GT. • It’s very easy to do and takes about 5 minutes to complete. • Use your Family Access login credentials to get into the referral app. • Deadline to refer is Monday, September 30. • PLEASE NOTE: If your child is already receiving gifted services, the app will not allow you to refer until the spring evaluation window opens in early February.

3. Step 2: Parents and teachers complete the inventory • The parent inventory (Home Rating Scale) will be sent home at the beginning of the testing window (dates are on next slide). • The deadline to return completed inventories is the final day of the testing window. • While the rating scale is not mandatory, it can help your child's overall profile. • Scale statements can be difficult to answer for elementary ages, so consider where your child ranks compared to a typical child at that age. • Teachers complete a School Rating Scale. • Be prepared to see a lower teacher score, as they have a much larger comparison pool.

4. Step 3: Students take the test • The 2019 testing window is October 28-November 8. • A specific testing schedule will not be published. • Typically, younger students are tested over two to three days. • Older students are tested over one to two days. • Kindergarten students and 1st graders are asked the questions orally, and their tests are untimed. • Time limits and text-based questions begin at 2nd grade. • Please be encouraging and remind your child that he or she is smart no matter what. It is impossible to FAIL the GT evaluation process.

5. 2nd grade universal screener • Most 2nd graders will take the CogAT as part of a universal screening process the week of October 21-25. • Second graders who are already identified as needing gifted services in All Areas will be exempt from the screener. • Results will only be used for GT identification purposes if parents refer their child. • If a 2nd grader is referred to be evaluated for GT identification, the CSC will consider scores from the 2nd grade testing window, as well as Home and School Rating Scales. • Students can only take one GT test per school year, so referred 2nd graders will NOT be tested a second time as part of the referral process.

6. Step 4: Student data plotted • Tests are scored by computer. • When results are ready, the district plots the Home Rating Scale scores, the School Rating Scale scores, and the subtest scores on the GT Identification Profile. • The district sends students' profiles to respective schools for a final decision from the Campus Selection Committee (CSC). • The CSC meets to make identification decisions in three subject areas: Math/Science, ELA/Social Studies, and All Areas. • Students must score at 97th percentile or higher on a subtest to receive a point in that subject area.

7. Step 5: Receive the results • Parent notification letters are mailed home in mid-February 2020. • Please make sure your address is correct in Family Access. • If your mail is returned as undeliverable, you must come to the school and show proof of address to pick it up. • We cannot e-mail, scan, or phone parents the results. • Identified kindergarten students begin services on March 1, 2020. • Identified 1st-5th graders begin services the following school year (2020-2021).

8. Information about appeals • If your child was not identified as needing gifted services and you disagree with the decision, you may request an appeal meeting with the Campus Selection Committee. • Appeals are a timed opportunity to present additional information that you feel proves your child's giftedness. • We ask teachers to give updated information to the CSC. Parents do not need to ask for this new evidence. • Parents may request an appeal in writing to Ms. Murphy within ten school days of the date the notification letter was mailed home, not the date of receipt. • The appeal deadline is typically in early March and will be communicated in the notification letter.

9. Please remember… • If your child is already identified in one area (Math/Science OR ELA/Social Studies), they can test in the spring for a fee. • The referral app won’t allow you to register them during the fall window. • The spring referral window opens in February through the same link, and it will direct you to a payment screen at the end of the referral process. • Students may be referred every year for testing, EXCEPT: • Once a child is identified in All Areas, they are unable to test again to raise scores. • Gifted identifications remain for duration of time at FBISD unless they furlough for longer than one year or leave the district.

10. Big Question: How do we prepare our child for the test? • There is no true way to prepare for the Cognitive Abilities Test, or CogAT. • Be wary of companies that guarantee identification. • Giftedness is a natural ability. They either are gifted or they aren’t. • Only 3-5% of the population are truly gifted. • Most of our referred students are high-achievers, not gifted. • Pre-AP classes in MS and HS are open to all students, not just those with needing gifted services.

11. Hallmark of giftedness: asynchronous development

12. Some information about transfers If transferring your child to another district, take a copy of the pink GT identification profile so the new district can determine eligibility based on their identification parameters. Transfers to FBISD must provide identification paperwork so the district can determine if the students meet our eligibility qualifications. If your child is a transfer student and did not qualify for gifted services in FBISD, he/she may test this fall if you refer.

13. For questions regarding GT testing: Please contact: • Anetria Woodard, SWE Counselor • 281.634.5321 • Anetria.woodard@fortbendisd.com For questions regarding how your child’s grade level differentiates instruction,please contact his/her teacher via email.