LISD Definition While the state recognizes five areas of giftedness, the local district has elected to serve students who are able to demonstrate giftedness in the area of general intellectual ability. LISD Goals and Objectives The gifted student will: (1) become aware of his own unique potential and learning style in order to develop these abilities for the betterment of self and society. (2) utilize higher level thinking skills to develop intellectual curiosity in critical, creative, and productive thinking. (3) understand and apply the problem-solving process in a cooperative group setting through analysis and evaluation of a real life situation. (4) develop reference skills for using multiple concepts and resources in synthesizing an advanced product
THE SELECTION PROCESS Referrals may originate with teachers, parents, counselors, administrators, or students. Referrals may be initiated at any time during the school year. STEP ONE Referral made: The referral information is given to the appropriate teacher. The teacher completes an information sheet and requests similar information from the parent. When all information is complete, it is given to the facilitator. Testing can begin with parent's permission. STEP TWO Testing scheduled: Approximately 3 – 5 hours of testing will be scheduled over a reasonable amount of time (2-3 weeks). The facilitator and teacher will set up these times. STEP THREE Testing done: Facilitator or coordinator completes the testing within a reasonable amount of time and considering each child's age, attention span, and maturation. Kindergarten testing is conducted in the spring only. STEP FOUR Facilitator fills out Student Profile with the subjective and nonsubjective data. STEP FIVE Student Profile goes through district level selection committee. The committee is composed of an Advanced Academics Program representative, a building principal, the guidance and counseling supervisor, and a central office administrator. STEP SIX Letter is sent to parents with notification of the committee’s placement decision. Parents are invited to call for a conference concerning the decision. STEP SEVEN Permission to Serve form is sent to parents. STEP EIGHT If permission is granted, student will be scheduled into LEAP class. CRITERIA FOR SELECTION The majority of the indicators collected on the student must fall at the 96% ile or higher. The indicators come from standardized tests designed to measure learning potential, achievement test scores, and from subjective measures such as creativity tests and parent/teacher observation.