Gifted and Talented

Mission Statement:

Blanco ISD believes that Gifted and Talented (GT) students possess the potential for self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication that reflect individuality, creativity, and intellectual ability beyond that of their peers. 

Our goal is to provide services and learning opportunities that develop this potential through challenging, differentiated instruction in an environment that supports intellectual and personal growth. 

 

Student Assessment:

Blanco ISD’s identification process allows students to demonstrate and develop their diverse talents and abilities. Students may be referred for screening at any grade level (K-12) by parents, teachers, administrators, and counselors. 

 

Referral & Assessment Process:

1. Referral Window:

The annual GT referral window for the 2025-2026 school year is November 10-28, 2025.

2. Referral Forms:

• GT Parent Referral Form
• Parent Williams Scale
• GT Teacher Referral Form

3. Assessment Components:

The district uses both quantitative and qualitative data to make placement decisions, including: 

• Nationally-normed ability and achievement tests
• Creativity measures (for Kindergarten)
• Parent and Teacher Rating Scales

4. Selection Committee:

A district screening and placement committee, made up of trained GT educators, reviews all data to determine student eligibility. 

 

Qualitative & Quantitative Assessment

The identification process includes a balance of data sources:

• Qualitative Measures: Standardized ability and achievement assessments.
• Qualitative Measures: Teacher and parent input using observation scales, student work samples, and creativity measures. 

 

Parent/Teacher Evaluations 

Teachers and parents play an essential role in identifying gifted characteristics through rating scales and observation. Their input helps ensure the process considers creativity, motivation, and problem-solving in addition to academic achievement. 

 

Assessment Committee Process

The GT Placement Committee reviews student profiles. Decisions are based on state guidelines and district criteria, and parents are notified of results. If a student qualifies, GT services begin immediately for Kindergarten and the following school year for grades 1-12. 

 

Referral Timeline Overview

• November 10-28, 2025: Referral window open
• December-February: Assessment window
• March 1, 2026: Services begin for newly identified Kindergarten students
• April 2026: Notification of results for grades 1-12

 

Contact Information

Gabriella Quintero

Instructional Coordinator

gabriella.quintero@blancoisd.org