Gifted and talented (G/T) programs provide advanced academic services to students who demonstrate exceptional ability or potential. Identification involves a multi-step process of referral, screening, assessment, and placement.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Understand your district's gifted program. Research what types of gifted services your district offers (enrichment, acceleration, self-contained classes), what grade levels are served, and the iden...
- Referral. The identification process begins with a referral, which can come from:
- Parents or guardians
- Counselors or administrators
- The student themselves (in some districts)
- Universal screening (many districts screen all students at certain grade levels, often kindergarten or 2nd grade)
- Screening. Referred students undergo an initial screening, which may include:
- Review of existing standardized test scores
- Teacher rating scales and checklists
- Report card analysis
Common Mistakes
- Relying on a single test score
- Not requesting a referral
- Assuming gifted identification is permanent
- Test prep anxiety
- Confusing high achievement with giftedness
Pro Tips
- Ask for the specific tests and criteria used
- Request a private evaluation if needed
- Advocate for twice-exceptional (2e) students
- Look beyond school programs
- Connect with the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)