G/T Identification

Getting started

The State of Texas gives us guidance on what to look for when identifying a student as Gifted &  Talented (G/T).  Below, you will find the TEA definition, along with an outline of our overall ID process.  Typically, we post links here to refer students for screening.  Our general timeline for referrals has closed for the 25-26 school year.  Please note, you are welcome to reach out to our team with any questions, or if you think your student should still be referred.  Please contact us at gt@fwisd.org or call us at 817-814-2580.   

Defining Gifted

A gifted/talented student is a child or youth who performs at or shows the potential for performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment and who

• exhibits high-performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area;
• possesses an unusual capacity for leadership; or
• excels in a specific academic field. (Texas Education Code §29.121)

G/T Identification Process

There are four steps in our G/T identification process:

• Refer
• Assess
• Select
• Notify

First, students must have a referral for consideration.  In order to refer your child, or student, as a part of the G/T screening process this year, please fill out a referral form below.  Before any student enters the screening process, they must be both referred and have parent/guardian permission.  In the Parent/Guardian G/T Referral Form below, permission may be granted virtually for students.  If you are a teacher or non-parent/guardian who would like to refer a student, your initial referral will require parent/guardian information, in order to allow the G/T Department to get permission to assess and serve by the student's parent/guardian.  Please fill out the appropriate form below and provide any information possible that illustrates the gifted behaviors you see in the student.  Need help thinking about various characteristics of gifted students?  Check out this link to an article that discusses the various profiles of the gifted and talented to help discuss the unique traits and needs of your student.

After receiving permission to screen students, a district G/T identification team will assess students using a wide variety of quantitative and qualitative data that reflect the definition of gifted provided by TEA.  The team will collect data from parents, teachers, and review available assessment data such as, but not limited to, NWEA MAP and STAAR.  In addition students who have permission to assess will have the opportunity to create an online portfolio.  The G/T portfolio is comprised of high-level, open-ended activities and challenges that examine student characteristics that may not be seen in other forms of data such as creativity and persistence.  In Kindergarten and 1st grade, we will use the data from planned experiences as the G/T portfolio. 

Once all assessment data has been collected, the district G/T identification team will meet to select the appropriate identification status based off the results of screening.  Once the committee has reviewed all students, the campus will notify all students screened about their identification results.

For information on appeals and services, please see our G/T manual, or find the link for the most recent appeal google form below. 

2025-2026 G/T Identification Appeals DocumentAny parents or guardians who did not agree with the screening decision of the G/T Committee at their campus are welcome to fill out an appeal form.  From there, the G/T Committee at your student's respective campus will reconvene before the end of the school year to determine if the ID decision should be changed.  When filling out the G/T ID Appeal Document, please submit any relevant information you believe should be considered, or reconsidered to change the outcome of the committee decision. Once the decision has been discussed, the G/T Committee will reach out with the results.