Gifted and Talented
What Is Gifted and Talented?
Austin ISD provides advanced academic services for students who qualify for the Gifted and Talented (GT) program.
A gifted and talented student performs—or shows the potential to perform—at a remarkably high level when compared with other students of the same age, experience, or environment. Gifted students may demonstrate advanced ability in intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership areas.
Students may be referred for GT assessment by a parent or caregiver, school staff member, or community member.
Think this may describe your child? Families are encouraged to submit a referral during the district referral window.
For referral information, frequently asked questions, and district resources, visit the Austin ISD Advanced Academics website.
What Is Talent Explore?
Talent Explore is an Austin ISD program for students who demonstrate strong academic potential but do not currently qualify for GT services.
Students are considered for Talent Explore through the same referral and assessment process used for GT. Identified students receive advanced academic support and appropriately challenging learning opportunities in the classroom. They may also complete the GT assessment again in a future year.
How the Identification Process Works
Students may be referred during the district’s annual referral window.
All second-grade students participate in a district GT screening process. Based on their screening results, some students may be automatically referred for additional assessment. Those students then continue through the district’s formal identification process.
What GT Services Look Like at Wooten
Elementary students identified for GT services are placed in a GT cluster classroom with a teacher who has completed required gifted-education training.
Students receive learning experiences that may include:
- Enrichment and extension activities
- Opportunities for deeper and more complex thinking
- Personalized learning based on student strengths and interests
- Independent projects and investigations
- Collaboration with other students in pairs and small groups
Our goal is to ensure that advanced learners are appropriately challenged, supported, and given meaningful opportunities to grow.