China Spring Independent School District Gifted and Talented

CHINA SPRING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICTGIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAM GUIDE

Gifted and Talented District CoordinatorAmanda Ziegler

[email protected]

Campus CoordinatorsElementary

Amanda Headrick [email protected] 254-836-4611

IntermediateAnne Trevino [email protected] 254-759-1200

MiddleBrooke Bartee [email protected] 254-836-4635

High SchoolJami Bihl [email protected] 254-836-1771

Meghan Harvey [email protected] 254-836-1771

Sara Shiels [email protected] 254-836-1771

NondiscriminationChina Spring ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, economic

China Spring ISD Gifted/Talented Policy & Procedures Page 1

mailto:[email protected]







status, sex, or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including vocationalprograms in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of theEducational Amendments of 1972; and Section of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

TABLE OF CONTENTSPage

State Goal for Gifted Students 3

State Definition of Gifted/Talented 3

China Spring ISD’s Definition of Gifted/Talented 3

China Spring ISD's Gifted/Talented Program Goals 4

STUDENT ASSESSMENT 5-9

Identification Procedures and Processes 5

District Identification Timeline 5

Referral, Screening, Qualification 6-7

Transfer, Appeal, Furlough, Reassessment, Exit 8-9

SERVICE DESIGN 10-11

Grades K-5th 11

Grades 6th-12th 11

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION 12

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING 13

FAMILY/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 13

Evaluation of Program 14

PROGRAM FORMS


STATE GOAL FOR SERVICES FORGIFTED STUDENTS

Students who participate in services designed for gifted/talented students willdemonstrate skills in self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication asevidenced by the development of innovative products and performances that reflectindividuality and creativity and are advanced in relation to students of similar age,experience, or environment. High school graduates who have participated in servicesfor gifted/talented students will have produced products and performances ofprofessional quality as part of their program services.

-Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students

STATE DEFINITION OFGIFTED/TALENTED STUDENT

§ 29.121. DEFINITION: In this subchapter, "gifted and talented student" means a childor youth who performs at or shows the potential for performing at a remarkably highlevel of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, orenvironment and who:

(1) Exhibits high performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artisticarea;

(2) Possesses an unusual capacity for leadership; or(3) Excels in a specific academic field.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, § 1, eff. May 30, 1995.

CHINA SPRING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT'SDEFINITION OF GIFTED

China Spring ISD defines gifted and talented as any child or youth in grades K-12 whoperforms at, or shows the potential for performing at, a remarkably high level ofaccomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environmentand who

(1) Exhibits high performance capability in general intellectual ability; or(2) Excels in one or more specific academic fields: math, science, language arts,and/or social studies


http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/cqcgi?CQ_SESSION_KEY=BOAVNCVGJLQW&CQ_QUERY_HANDLE=126763&CQ_CUR_DOCUMENT=8&CQ_TLO_DOC_TEXT=YES#HIT0003

CHINA SPRING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT'SGOAL FOR THE GIFTED/TALENTED SERVICES

China Spring ISD recognizes the fact that goals which are specific, yet flexible, are anessential part of an effective program designed to meet the needs of gifted and talentedstudents. District program goals will include the following:

● Identify students in grades K-12 who excel consistently or have the potential toexcel in one or more of the four (4) core content areas.

● Provide differentiated programs for identified students, beyond regularcurriculum requirements and offerings.

● Provide students with multiple opportunities to participate in learningexperiences using advanced content (within the four core areas) which aredefensibly differentiated in depth, complexity and range through modification tocontent and/or process and/or product. Students will be able to workindependently, with groups of other gifted students, and with groups ofnon-gifted peers.

● Identify professional needs and plan opportunities for staff development to trainprofessional and paraprofessional personnel to work effectively with students inthe program. Ensure that all special populations are considered for the programand offered differentiated curriculum when appropriate.

● Inform and seek the involvement of parents and community members in theprogram for gifted students.

● Evaluate program effectiveness on a regular basis, providing a continuum ofinformation targeting evaluation of key features of the program and measuringits effectiveness in relation to student growth and achievement.

Students who participate in services designed for gifted students will demonstrate skillsin self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication as evidenced by thedevelopment of innovative products and performances that are advanced in relation tostudents of similar age, experience, or environment and that reflect individuality andcreativity.


STUDENT ASSESSMENT

IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURES AND PROCESSESK-12

China Spring Independent School District has board approval on the identificationprocedures and processes of students K-12 for the services of the Gifted/TalentedProgram. These procedures meet state requirements (§29.121 & TAC 89.1) and havebeen designed to ensure the identification of any student who demonstrates educationalneed for the services of the program under the established guidelines.

DISTRICT IDENTIFICATION TIMELINE

Gifted/Talented Identification Process (1st Round)

Referral procedures published in announcements and on district website (1st round) October

All 2nd grade students are screened October

GT Informational Meeting October

Referrals accepted from parents, teachers, or community members October-November

Screenings and assessments conducted after written parental permission obtained November-December

Gifted/Talented committee meets to review screenings and assessments December-January

Services begin for identified students January

Gifted/Talented Identification Process for Kindergarten

Teacher referrals for kindergarten students January

Screenings and assessments conducted after written parental permission obtained forkindergarten students February

Gifted/Talented committee meets to review screenings and assessments February

Services begin for identified kindergarten students March 1

Gifted/Talented Identification Process (2nd Round)

Referral procedures published in announcements and on district website (2nd round) March

Referrals accepted from parents, teachers, or community members March

Screenings and assessments conducted after written parental permission obtained April-May

Gifted/Talented committee meets to review screenings and assessments May-June

Services begin for identified students August


DISSEMINATING INFORMATIONAnyone (parents, teachers, community members, students, and etc.) may nominate astudent for the program at the period of annual referrals listed on the timeline above.Referral forms are available in each campus office and/or on the district web site.Referral forms may be submitted to the campus office only during the time period ofreferral acceptance. Late referrals will not be accepted.Parents are informed of the identification policies through the district or campushandbook, and/or the district website, and/or by request of the written policy andprocedures for the Gifted/Talented program. In addition, parent awareness sessions areheld annually.

REFERRAL PROCESSReferrals can originate from teachers, parents, community members or students duringthe referral period. Students are nominated with a formal referral sheet to be given tothe campus office. Written parent or guardian permission is required to screen/assess astudent. If a parent does not want his/her child to be screened, this information will bedocumented.Access to assessment and, if needed, gifted/talented services is available to allpopulations of the district (19 TAC § 289.1(3)).

SCREENING/ASSESSMENT PROCESSA student profile is used to identify those students who perform, or show the potentialfor performing, at remarkably high levels of accomplishment relative to their age, peers,experience, or environment. The profile will reflect a minimum of three (3) criteria usedin the assessment. The criteria used will be a combination of qualitative andquantitative instruments and may include:

● School Abilities Test● Achievement Test● Teacher and/or Parent Rating Scales● Student interview● Student product/portfolio


QUALIFICATION PROCESSThe student profile identifies the student’s strengths and weaknesses. The percentilesand/or scores from the assessment instruments are plotted on the student profile. Eachstudent's profile is individually evaluated by the Gifted/Talented Committee. A studentclearly qualifies for Gifted/Talented services if the majority of the evidence on the profilefalls within the Superior ranges on the profile. The decision is based on the committee'sobservation of the preponderance of the evidence on the student's profile.The Gifted/Talented committee consists of at least three district educators. Allcommittee members have been trained in nature and needs of gifted students. TheGifted/Talented Committee makes a professional judgment based on the recordedstudent profile data. As the committee evaluates the data on the students nominated,the committee has three options:

● The profile data indicates the student exhibits educational need and wouldbenefit from the services offered in the Gifted/Talented.

● There is insufficient evidence in the documentation at this time indicating thestudent's educational needs would best be met by the Gifted/Talented program.The profile evidence indicates the student’s educational needs would best beserved with the services of the regular curriculum.

● Further information is requested for the committee to make a qualificationdecision.

Once the identification process is complete, parents or guardians are notified in writingof the Gifted/Talented Committee’s decision within ten school days. Parents of allscreened students may request a conference to examine their child’s assessmentresults. Request should be made through the student’s home campus. Students maybe referred again after a full calendar year has passed.


ADDITIONAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

TRANSFER OF STUDENTSAll students who have participated in gifted and talented programs prior to coming toChina Spring ISD may be considered for the Gifted/Talented Program. Once screeningrecords are received from the student’s previous district, the records will be examinedfor correspondence to China Spring ISD’s criteria. If the transfer data is insufficient,China Spring ISD will assess the student to see if placement in the program is in thestudent’s best interest. A decision will be made regarding qualification within 30 schooldays of the receipt of the student’s Gifted/Talented assessment results from theprevious district.

APPEALS PROCESSOnce the identification process is complete, parents or guardians are notified of theresults in writing within 10 school days of the committee’s decision. A parent or staffmember may appeal an identification decision by writing an appeal letter to theGifted/Talented committee after the committee has issued letters documenting itsqualification decisions. The appeal letter must be postmarked within 10 business daysof receipt of the parent/guardian letter written indicating the committee’s initial decision.The committee will reconvene in order to consider the need for further assessment dataor other information.

FURLOUGH PROCEDUREA furlough is a temporary "leave of absence" from the Gifted/Talented Programdesigned to meet the individual needs of an identified student. Anyone may request afurlough: parent, student, teacher, or administrator. A student may be furloughed for aperiod of time deemed appropriate by the Gifted/Talented committee. At the end of thefurlough, the student's progress shall be reassessed, and the student may re-enter theGifted/Talented program, be removed from the program, or be placed on anotherfurlough. Furloughs are designed to be short-term and temporary and should not beused for an entire school year.A furlough does not indicate a permanent exiting of the program. Furloughs could beutilized for a variety of extenuating circumstances. Any student may be granted afurlough from the program for various issues such as over-commitment, familyconcerns, serious illness, or any other circumstances which would inhibit the student'sperformance in the program. If a student’s grades fall below 70 at the 3 week progressreport or 6 week report card, the student will furlough until the next grading period. Thefurlough may also be used prior to a formal exit from the program for those studentswho are unable to maintain satisfactory performance within the learning opportunities ofthe Gifted/Talented program. A furlough is arranged to meet the individual needs of thestudent.


REASSESSMENTA reassessment may be conducted when students move from one campus to anotheror to an educational setting in which the gifted and talented program prototype isdifferent (i.e. to determine classes or subject areas in which the student may best beserved with differentiated curriculum). If it is determined that it is in the best interest ofan identified student to be reassessed, the district will inform parent(s) and the studentof the team’s decision and a reassessment will be conducted.If reassessment does occur, it will be no more than once at the elementary level, onceat the intermediate school level, once at the middle school level, and once at the highschool level. If there is any concern regarding the performance or placement of thestudent, the Gifted/Talented teacher or the district Gifted/Talented Coordinator willcontact the parent and confer about available options. Options available are counseling,requesting a furlough, or exiting the student from the program.

EXITStudent performance in the program shall be monitored. A student shall be removedfrom the program at any time the Gifted/Talented committee determines it is in thestudent's best interest and a furlough has been ineffective. If a parent requests theirchild be removed from the program, the Gifted/Talented committee shall grant therequest. Once a student is exited from the program he/she must adhere to theidentification procedures and exhibit educational need to be readmitted.


SERVICE DESIGNChina Spring Independent School District offers a variety of learning experiences andopportunities for Gifted/Talented students in grades K-12 which meet the mandates ofthe Texas Administrative Code. These services include, but are not limited to,integrating Depth and Complexity into the curriculum, requiring advanced level productsand performances, and allowing identified Gifted/Talented students the opportunity towork with other identified students.

A continuum of learning experiences will be provided in the Gifted/Talented serviceswhich lead to the development of advanced-level products and/or performances. Suchservices could include use of depth and complexity elements, differentiation of content,process and/or product in the regular or Pre-AP/AP classroom, a pull-out program,independent studies, participation in the Texas Performance Standards Project,concurrent or dual-enrollment classes, and other services as deemed appropriate forthe student. Services are available in all four core academic areas including LanguageArts, Math, Science and Social Studies. Identified students will work independently, withother identified students, and with students of other abilities.Educators will adapt and/or modify the core or standard curriculum to meet the needs ofgifted/talented students and those with special needs such as twice-exceptional,highly-gifted, and English learners.

Documentation of services will be maintained and parents will be notified of in-schooland out-of-school options during the school year that are relevant to the needs of thegifted and talented students.

Credit by Examination is available to assist students in acceleration through classesand/or grade levels.


GRADES K-5

Identified students will be served with curriculum designed to meet the needs of giftedand talented students in several ways. Options shall include instructional andorganizational patterns that enable identified students to work together as a group, towork with other students, and to work independently as a direct result of GT programservices.

The Gifted/Talented Program will include a pull out program. Gifted/Talented studentsmay be pulled from class each week for some given amount of time. Gifted students willbe placed in the classrooms of teachers who have received thirty hours of training in thearea of gifted and talented education required by the state and have the 6-hour GTupdate each year. GT students may be served in the regular classroom (in addition tothe pull out program) in cluster groups of at least two or more. Classroom instructionwill offer differentiated learning experiences such as: creative and critical thinking,in-depth/complex content, enrichment, and acceleration.

GRADES 6-12

The Gifted/Talented Program in grades 6-12 will include differentiated instruction in thesubject area(s) chosen by the student at the beginning of each year. The GTcoordinator, counselor or principal will conduct a meeting with GT students in grade6-12 to discuss differentiation options. If a student does not respond to the opportunityto select area(s) of differentiation, it will be assumed that the student chooses to beserved in ALL core subjects. Core subject teachers will document differentiation foreach G/T student in Eduphoria. Students will have in-class and out-of-class learningopportunities such as:

In-Class Learning OpportunitiesHonors coursesAP classes with differentiationDual/Concurrent enrollmentIndependent studyMultimedia projectPerformance-based projects

Out-of-Class Learning OpportunitiesLeadership activitiesExtracurricular involvementUIL Academic involvementAcademic competition Various school clubs Community service


CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONChina Spring Independent School District will offer differentiated instruction that includesaccelerated pace and increased depth and complexity of studies. Instruction may include thefollowing strategies:

● Content (Topic)o Pre-test – identify the students who do not require direct instruction.o Accelerate the Pace – students who show a high level of competence can work

through the curriculum at a faster pace. (Compacting the Curriculum)o Independent Study

● Process (Activities)o Tiered Assignments – various activities are assigned based on individual student

needso Graphic Organizers – students use organizers to show comprehension of

concepts taughto Learning Contract – an agreement between teacher and student to allow the

student to complete various activities independently● Product

o Vary the complexity of the product created to demonstrate mastery of theconcepts taught

o Multimedia Projecto Produce work that requires more complex or more advanced thinking.

● Environmento Adjust circumstances – lower lighting, formal/casual seating, classical music, etc.o Allow for learning styles – auditory, visual, or kinesthetic

The campus principals, district GT coordinator, and/or district curriculum director will monitorcurriculum development through weekly lesson plans. The teachers will document differentiationfor GT students through forms in Eduphoria’s AWARE.

The GT pullout teacher or core subject teachers will provide a continuum of learningexperiences that leads to the development of advanced level products and/or performancessuch as those provided through the Texas Performance Standard Projects.

GT students will be encouraged in the area of independent study, having a goal of developinghigher level questioning skills, beginning in the lower grades. Strategies will be used to motivatestudents to write and ask higher level thinking questions.

Students will have the opportunity for Internet links to career and leadership mentors. Whenpossible, community members will be contacted to serve as mentors to students with particularinterests. Baylor, TSTC, and MCC students may serve as mentors for GT students intechnology, music, art, theatre, and other areas of interest.


PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

China Spring Independent School District is committed to providing its staff with appropriate andmeaningful professional development which enables the staff to meet the unique and individualeducational needs of all students including services for gifted/talented students.

Teachers who provide core subject instruction and services that are a part of the gifted andtalented program have a minimum of thirty (30) clock hours of staff development that includesnature and needs of gifted students, assessing student needs, and curriculum and instructionfor gifted students. Following the initial thirty (30) hours of training, teachers will also receive aminimum of six (6) hours annually of professional development in gifted education.

Administrators and counselors who have authority for program decisions have a minimum of six(6) hours of professional development that includes nature and needs of gifted students andprogram options for gifted and talented students.

Members of the China Spring Independent School District Board of Trustees will be encouragedto receive training on the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students.

An orientation session that focuses on the gifted and talented program will be provided annuallyfor teachers new to the district.

FAMILY/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

China Spring Independent School District will encourage family and community participation inservices designed for gifted and talented students. Written policies of student identification,approved by the Board of Trustees, will be disseminated to parents, as will be informationregarding the learning opportunities offered to identified students as part of the gifted andtalented program. China Spring ISD will evaluate the effectiveness of the program annually andwill use the data gathered to modify and update district and campus improvement plans.

● An orientation will be provided annually in the fall to inform parents and communitymembers of assessment procedures, district programs, and issues relating to gifted andtalented education.

● Progress reports will be sent to parents/guardians each nine weeks informing them of theperformance of their child in the gifted and talented class for grades 1-5.

● Parents will be informed of available out-of-school, weekend, and summer programs forgifted students.

● Parents and community members will be given the opportunity to serve as mentors and/orexperts for gifted students. These volunteers must complete a volunteer paperwork beforebeing approved.

● Products and achievements of gifted students will be shared with families and communitymembers.

● China Spring Independent School District will encourage community members andbusinesses to be involved in and support programs and services for gifted students.

● A listing of community resources and mentors may be maintained as a reference forstudents, teachers, and parents.


PROGRAM EVALUATION

China Spring ISD will annually evaluate the Gifted/Talented program by surveyingstakeholders including students, parents/guardians, and teachers. The evaluation datawill be used as a needs assessment to be addressed in the district/campusimprovement plans.

An advisory council will be established including community members, parents of GTstudents, GT educational staff, and school staff. The council will meet regularly toreview policies and procedures to make recommendations for improvement.Parents/guardians will be informed of instructional opportunities offered as part of thegifted and talented program.

District and campus improvement plans will include provisions to improve/modifyservices offered to gifted and talented students. These modifications/improvements willbe based on evaluations of the program. District and campus administrators will monitorthe development and delivery of curriculum for gifted and talented students.


China Spring ISD Gifted/Talented Forms

Program Services

● 9-weeks Progress Report 16

● Differentiation Option Form 17

● Furlough from Services 18

● Exit from Services 19

Identification

● Nomination Form 20

● Parent permission for assessment 21

● Parent permission to receive services 22-23

● Student Profile Sheet and Committee Signatures 24


CHINA SPRING ISDGifted and Talented Extension Class

Progress Report

Student _______________Homeroom Teacher _______________Grade _________

Criteria 1st

Nine Weeks2nd

Nine Weeks3rd

Nine Weeks4th

Nine WeeksCritical

Thinking

CreativeThinking

ResearchSkills

Motivation

Behavior andResponsibilities

E= Excellent S= Satisfactory N= Needs Improvement U= Unsatisfactory

Criterion ExplanationCritical Thinking- Students acquire the knowledge and skills to recognize and solveproblems. Creative Thinking- Students acquire the knowledge and skills to creatively evaluate,redefine, and generate divergent solutions and products. Research Skills- Students acquire the knowledge and skills to gather, analyze, andapply information and ideas. Motivation- Students acquire the knowledge and skills to demonstrate an inspiration forlearning. Behavior and Responsibilities- Students acquire the knowledge and skills to behaveaccordingly and take care of responsibilities.

Grading ScaleE 95-100S+ 86-94S 76-85N 66-75U 65 and below


China Spring ISDGifted and Talented Program Student Information

2020-2021 School YearDear Parents:Gifted and Talented students in grades 6 through 12 are able to choose which core subjectsthey would like to receive differentiated instruction during the 2020-2021 school year. This formdoes not determine placement in honors or advanced placement courses.Differentiated instruction does not mean “more work” for GT students; however, it does meaninstruction including:

√ learning experiences that lead to the development of advanced-level products andperformances;

√ instructional activities that enable identified students to work together as a group, to workwith other students, and to work independently;

√ in-school and, when possible, out-of-school options relevant to the student’s area ofstrength that is available during the entire school year; and

√ opportunities to accelerate in areas of strength.Please make a choice by checking one or more areas that your child would like to focus his/hertalent development. Your child will continue to receive GT services in ALL core subjects ifthis form is not returned. If you choose for your child to NOT participate in the ChinaSpring ISD Gifted and Talented Program, please check the blank to have him/herwithdrawn from the program.

*************************************************************************************************************Student’s Name: ________________________________ Grade Level (2020-2021): _________

Please check each core subject that your child would like to receive differentiated instruction. Ifa core subject is not checked, then your child will not receive differentiated instruction in thatarea. The student’s teacher will monitor at the beginning of the school year to ensure this is thecorrect placement.

_____Language Arts (Reading and Writing)

_____Math

_____Science

_____Social Studies

_____None (I prefer to withdraw from the GT program.)

_____________________________________ _____________________________________Student Signature Date Parent Signature Date

Return the bottom portion of this form to any campus office (Attn: Amanda Ziegler) or mail toAmanda Ziegler China Spring ISD, P.O. Box 250, China Spring, TX 76633.

Questions can be addressed to Amanda @ 759-1200 or [email protected].


China Spring Independent School DistrictGifted and Talented Program

Form to Request Consideration of Furlough from Program/Services

Date of request _____________________Student Name _________________________________ Grade Level______________Person requesting placement review________________________________________Relationship to student ___________________________________________________Reason for request______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------GT Committee – Recommendations/Decisions_____Exit student from program/services_____Furlough student for __________________(length of time)_____Schedule meeting with parents_____Gather additional dataScreening/selection committee comments:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Date_______________________________________

Committee members: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



Form to Request Consideration of Exit from Program/Services

Date of Request: ______________________________________________Student Name: _______________________________________________Person requesting placement review: ______________________________Relationship to Student: ________________________________________

Reasons for request:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Recommendations/Decision:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Parent Signature______________________________________________

Date________________________________________________________



Nomination Form

Please complete this form to nominate a student for the gifted and talented program. The GTCommittee will review the case study of each nominated student and, based on criteriaestablished by the district for screening and approved by the Board of Trustees, will determinethe need for placement in the Gifted and Talented Program.

Student Name ___________________________________________ Grade _______________ Campus _________________________________ Birthdate ___________________________

*************************************************************************************************************Your relationship to student: _____________________________________________________

If other than parent, how long have you known the student? ____________________________

Please write a short narrative explaining why you feel that the academic and affective needs ofthis student would best be met through an educational setting addressing the needs of giftedstudents. Please consider the following characteristics along with any other characteristics thatindicate the need for differentiated instruction: intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm for knowledgein areas of interest, sense of justice, intensity, social and emotional maturity, communication andleadership skills.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name (Please print) ___________________________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________ Date ____________________



Permission to Test for Program Services

Date: Dear Parents:

Your child, ___________________________________, has been nominated by you,his or her teacher, or some other party to participate in programs and services that are apart of the Gifted and Talented Program in China Spring Independent School District. To determine whether or not such a program is the most appropriate placement for yourchild, data must be gathered. The data will include information gleaned from testing,along with other criteria, all of which has been approved by the China SpringIndependent School District Board of Trustees. We need your permission to administertests and gather the needed data.

Please complete the form on this page and return it to your child’s teacher as soon aspossible to indicate whether or not you grant your permission for your child to betested for the program. You will be notified in writing as to the decision of the GTCommittee upon completion of the review of required data, should you give permissionfor your child to be tested. Thank you for working with China Spring I.S.D. to providequality education for our students.

Sincerely,Gifted and Talented Program Campus Coordinator

**************************************************************************As the parent/guardian of ________________________________________, I dohereby:

______give my permission to have my child tested for the Gifted and Talented Programoffered by China Spring I.S.D.

______acknowledge the fact that my child has been nominated for the Gifted andTalented Program offered by China Spring I.S.D., but do not want my child tested for theprogram.

Signature ______________________________________ Date __________________



Permission to Receive G/T Program Services

Our Gifted and Talented Selection Committee has completed the review of datacollected, as required in the China Spring Independent School District Gifted andTalented Program Plan and approved by the Board of Trustees. After careful reviewof the data, it has been determined that placement in the China Spring ElementaryGifted and Talented Program would provide the best educational environment tomeet the academic and affective needs of your child.

China Spring Independent School District will offer program options throughout theschool year that provide a learning continuum and reinforce the strengths, needs, andinterests of primary talent pool students. Identified students will be served with acurriculum designed to meet the needs of gifted and talented students in several ways. A pull-out class will be conducted on a weekly basis. During this time, identifiedstudents may be served:

● in heterogeneous settings, receiving differentiated curriculum throughinterdisciplinary study;

● in homogeneous settings, using interdisciplinary study; ● in homogeneous settings, targeting a particular area of strength; ● through independent study and research, with/without mentors; ● through creative problem-solving experiences; or ● through simulations designed to address the needs of gifted students.

Gifted and Talented students will be given the opportunity to be placed in theclassrooms of teachers who have received a minimum of thirty hours of training in thearea of gifted and talented education as required by the state. These students may beserved in the regular classroom in cluster groups, through differentiated learningexperiences such as: creative and critical thinking, in-depth/complex content,enrichment, and acceleration.

Through program services, your child will be offered a curriculum that will provideidentified students the opportunity to:

● Develop skills in logical reasoning and critical thinking through the application ofhigher-level cognitive thinking processes.

● Enhance his/her creative thinking skills through the development of fluent,flexible, original, and elaborative thinking processes.

● Extend skills in independent study/research through planning and conductingteacher-facilitated, self-directed studies.

● Strengthen skills in written, visual, and oral communications. ● Evidence the ability to produce original, advanced-level products and

performances.


● Develop awareness of responsible citizenship and foster acceptance ofresponsibilities for productive citizenship in the home, school, community, nation,and the world.

● Enhance the cognizance of individual strengths (giftedness), a positiveself-concept, and an appreciation/understanding of self and others.

● Maximize gifts and talents in a way that enables him to make a positivecontribution to society.

We are excited about offering your child the opportunity to participate in the Gifted andTalented Program. This program is designed to offer identified students curriculum thatmeets his/her educational needs, not to burden him/her with more work. We do wantyou to understand that the program will introduce your child to more complex, in-depthcontent.

If you agree that this program is an appropriate placement for your child and you wouldlike for him/her to participate in the programs/services offered for gifted students, pleasesign the permission slip attached and return it to your child’s teacher as soon aspossible so that he/she may begin receiving Gifted and Talented Program services. Thank you for your continued support in helping China Spring I.S.D. provide qualityeducational experiences for our students.

Sincerely,Gifted and Talented Program Coordinator

****************************************************************************************************I have been informed that my child qualifies for the Gifted and Talented Program offeredby China Spring Independent School District, according to guidelines approved by theBoard of Trustees. I also acknowledge that I have been informed of the educationaloptions available to my child, as an identified student.

Having knowledge of the above mentioned information, I hereby:

grant permission for my child, _____________________________________, toparticipate in programs/services provided by China Spring I.S.D. as part of the Giftedand Talented Program.

decline the opportunity to have my child, ______________________________,participate in programs/services provided by China Spring I.S.D. as part of the programoffered for Gifted and Talented students.

Signature________________________________________ Date__________________



Documents

China Spring Independent School District Gifted and Talented