A criterion to identify gifted and talented students is established in the Board-approved services for the gifted and talented. The criteria is specific to the State definition of gifted and talented and shall ensure the fair assessment of students with special needs, such as the culturally different, the economically disadvantaged and students with disabilities.

Written parental consent is obtained before any special testing or individual assessment is conducted as part of the screening and identification process. All student information collected during the screening and identification process shall be an educational record, subject to the protections set out in board policies.

Students in Grades 1 through 4 are screened annually for gifted services based on MAP Growth test results. Teachers, counselors, or parents may refer students for screening as well. The referral process is ongoing, and screening of students occurs throughout the year. No student may be tested by GISD more than once in a calendar year.

A selection committee shall evaluate each nominated student according to the established criteria and shall select those students for whom gifted services is the most appropriate.  The district-level committee shall be composed of at least three professional educators who have received training in the nature and needs of gifted students and shall be established for the District.

Data collected through both objectives and subjective assessments shall be measured against the criteria approved by the Board to determine individual eligibility for the program. Assessment tools may include but not be limited to the following:

1. Achievement tests

2. Abilities tests

3. Behavioral checklists completed by teachers 

4. Teacher referrals based on classroom observations

Parents and students shall be notified in writing upon selection of the student for services. Participation in any services provided for gifted students is voluntary. GISD shall obtain written permission from the parents before a student is provided services.

For more information or questions regarding Galveston ISD's Gifted & Talented identification process, please contact Stephanie Mizelle at staphaniemizelle@gisd.org or Gabriel Flores at gabrielflores@gisd.org