Gifted/Talented & Talent Explore
Austin ISD offers Gifted and Talented program services on all campuses. GT Advocates on each campus supports teachers, students, and families with resources and information. All campuses in Austin ISD offer Gifted and Talented identification and placement. Parents and caregivers can submit their child’s name to the Campus GT Advocate to be evaluated for Gifted and Talented services.
Austin ISD Elementary GT Services
Elementary GT services include instruction by a teacher with the appropriate GT Foundations training within a cluster grouping model (small group of identified GT students within the general education classroom). Students have a GT Learning Plan based on their grade level. Parents/guardians of identified GT students at the elementary level should expect a GT Student Services Summary each semester completed by the teacher.
Enrichment & Extracurricular
Enrichment activities include opportunities that provide depth and complexity through exploration, extension, or elaboration. Extracurricular activities and organized events include opportunities outside of the traditional school day such as clubs, competitions, contests, mentorships, and internships. Campuses select which activities to offer.
How are students referred?
Parents, teachers, staff, and community members can refer a student during the fall referral window.
What needs to be done after a student has been referred?
Parents/caregivers will complete an observation form. This form will be sent to parents/caregivers automatically after completing the referral. Teachers will also complete an observation form.
GT Advocates:
Marcela Mora- marcela.mora@austinisd.org
Shelby White- shelby.white@austinisd.org
Gifted/Talented Screening Timeline - 2026-27 School Year
- August 18 - October 16: GT Referral Window Referral Forms
- September 22 - October 7: Nonverbal Universal Screener (2nd Grade Students Only)
- September 23 at Noon or 6 p.m.: Virtual GT Services Family Information Session Meeting Session
- October 26-November 20: Testing of referred students and continuing 2nd graders
- December 2-16: Campus GT Committee reviews assessments and observations to identify students
- December 18: Parent Notification of Eligibility
- January 2027: Newly Identified Students Begin Services
For more information on GT Services and the identification process, please visit the district website Gifted & Talented section.