Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of
students and parents.
- What is Quest?
- How do I refer my child for the Quest program?
- What does my child do in the Quest program?
- How do I know if my child has gifted characteristics?
- What kind of tests are given?
- What is provisional placement?
- What is the process for a Kindergarten student to be nominated?
- Is the program academic or creative?
- Who should I contact if I have any other questions regarding Quest?
- What is the SAGT group?
What is Quest?
Quest is the name of the Carroll Independent School District's Gifted and
Talented Program
for grades K-12.
How do I refer my child for the Quest program?
Referral forms are available from the front office, the Quest teacher or
at the Administration building during open referral periods (Fall for new
students, Dec. for Kindergarten and March-April for grades 1-11). Please
complete the form and the parent questionnaire and return it to school by
the
deadline. Parents are notified of the results after the testing is complete
and the committee has met. Intermediate, Middle and High School students do
have a testing period for new students at the beginning of the year right
before school starts. Please check the district website for those dates.
Testing is on a Saturday during the Spring screening and you will be notified
of the date by an email. Fall and Kindergarten testing is completed on the
school campus during the school day.
Please return a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the results to be
mailed
to you.
What does my child do in the Quest program?
Quest uses the Autonomous Learner Model for Gifted Programs by Dr. George
Betts. The students are challenged to be responsible for their own learning
in order to become autonomous learners. The curriculum is based in the four
core areas of language arts, math, science and social studies and integrates
the different grade level TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills). Both
critical and creative thinking skills are stressed in problem solving,
inquiry and problem-based learning that includes independent and group
research activities in all the grade levels. Classes meet once a week for
up to a two-hour time period. Children receive progress reports at the
Semester Breaks (Jan. and June). Parents may call to schedule a conference
anytime during the year.
How do I know if my child has gifted characteristics?
Please visit the website links on this web for more information about gifted
children. Gifted children can be very inquisitive, creative, intense, good
problem solvers, and are often advanced academically. They are a joy to
behold!
What kind of tests are given?
Students are assessed in the following areas: Cognitive abilities, verbal
and nonverbal, standardized achievement in reading and math, teacher/parent
questionnaires, creative thinking (if needed) and writing in grades 7-12.
What is provisional placement?
Provisional Placement is an opportunity for new students moving into the
district who were identified in another district's gifted program. Parents
should bring their child's records of prior placement to the Quest teacher
on campus. A district committee makes the decision concerning provisional
placement after reviewing the child's records.
What is the process for a Kindergarten student to be nominated?
The Quest teacher visits the Kindergarten classes beginning the second six
weeks of the year. The Quest teacher presents lessons for students on
different thinking characters to promote higher level thinking skills. In
December, parents may refer their child for the Quest program. The
referral form gives consent for any testing to occur to see if the child's
test results meet the district criteria for the program. Placement decisions
are made in February and students begin in the program in March with a
weekly, one-hour pullout class.
Is the program academic or creative?
Good gifted programming enhances the student learning in a variety of ways.
Students learn creative problem solving techniques and experience creativity
in their self-selected products. The state of Texas requires gifted
programming to address the four core areas of math, language arts, science,
and social studies. This is accomplished through instruction based on
concepts to promote higher level thinking and meaning. An example of student
work is on the 4th grade Standards Project page at this website.
Who should I contact if I have any other questions regarding Quest?
Call or email the Quest teacher on the campus where your child attends. Mrs.
Pat Watts, the district Quest Coordinator, is also available to contact for
questions regarding Quest.
What is the SAGT group?
SAGT (Southlake Association for Gifted and Talented) is our parent support
group. They organize parent meetings and fundraisers to support the gifted
program.