Special Programs

Gifted and Talented

Welcome to the LCISD Elementary Gifted & Talented Services website!
Gifted & Talented Specialists:
North, South and West Elementary: Kenzi Green kenzi_green@lcisd.net
Central and East Elementary: Haley Robertson hrobertson@lcisd.net

Director of Special Programs:
Central Office: Darla Heinrich dheinrich@lcisd.net  

State Goal For Services For Gifted/Talented Students:
Students who participate in services designed for gifted/talented students will demonstrate skills in self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication as evidenced by the development of innovative products and performances that reflect individuality and creativity and are advanced in relation to students of similar age, experience, or environment. 

Lubbock-Cooper ISD GT Assessment Calendar

FALL TESTING SESSION: (All grades excluding Kindergarten)
Referrals & completed paperwork accepted October 18, 2024
Notifications regarding GT services: Late December                 
Target placement date: January 2025

The LCISD Gifted and Talented program accepts referrals from teachers, parents and administrators as well as other stakeholders. Students in grades K–12 shall be assessed and, if identified, provided gifted/talented services. (Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.122; 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §89.1(3); Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students (State Plan 2.16).

KINDERGARTEN TESTING SESSION: (Kindergarten ONLY)
Referrals & completed paperwork accepted by:  January 21,2025
Notifications regarding GT services: Late February              
Placement date: March 2025

The LCISD Gifted and Talented program accepts referrals from teachers, parents and administrators as well as other stakeholders.  All kindergarten students are automatically considered for gifted/talented using the referral process and other data collected by the campus. Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students (State Plan 2.20)  Students in grades K–12 shall be assessed and, if identified, provided gifted/talented services.

SPRING TESTING SESSION: (All grades)
Referrals & completed paperwork accepted by:  March 7, 2025
Notifications regarding GT services: Late May             
Placement date: 2025-2026 school year 

The LCISD Gifted and Talented program accepts referrals from teachers, parents and administrators as well as other stakeholders. Students in grades K–12 shall be assessed and, if identified, provided gifted/talented services. (Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.122; 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §89.1(3); Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students (State Plan 2.16).

**Students can be tested for Gifted & Talented services only once in a calendar year or the next testing window following a calendar year.  Referrals will not be processed until the testing window which has been designated above.  For example, if a student is referred and tested during the fall testing window but does not qualify for services, they cannot be tested again until the following fall testing window.

Texas Performance Standards Project

What is it?
We are excited to be using the Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP) to help serve our students in our GT pull out classes.  The TPSP is a resource for providing differentiated instruction for all students.  At each grade level, the TPSP provides guidelines for independent learning experiences and research projects that are based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and focus on content areas of English Language Arts & Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies with interdisciplinary connections.

How do students benefit from participation in the TPSP?
Students develop confidence in their abilities to complete an independent research project by using their own research to produce an innovative, discipline-based product.  Students are stretched to discover what they are capable of doing academically as well as they learn to accept challenges in order to perform at a high academic and intellectual level.  They are able to explore an area of interest and passion and perform research outside of the traditional curriculum.  Students also benefit by improved communication and presentation skills

How does the TPSP help students achieve their learning goals?
The TPSP gives students a framework for successfully completing an independent research project. Because the student work is divided into two phases at each grade level, there are built-in opportunities for teachers to provide direct instruction so that students have the skills necessary for developing an end product.  The TPSP enables students to become real thinkers and scholars.  Students are challenged to think critically, abstractly, and logically to evaluate and solve a problem.  Students synthesize new information and comprehend different points of view.  Another goal for them is to learn to communicate effectively and clearly in written and oral forms.

Frequently Asked Questions About GT

How can I refer my child for GT?
GT referrals are accepted throughout the school year at various sessions.  Please see the GT Assessment Calendar below for dates and deadlines.  If interested in referring someone, you can contact the homeroom teacher or the campus GT teacher.

How are GT students served in LCISD?
Individualized instruction and differentiation are focuses for all LCISD students, including those who qualify as gifted and talented. All classroom teachers are qualified to teach and serve GT students and strive to meet student individual needs in the classroom. However, students who qualify for GT services in the elementary will also participate in a “pull-out” program with the certified Gifted & Talented Teacher.

What is the elementary GT “pull-out” program?
This class meets once a week and is facilitated by the certified campus GT teacher. The curriculum focus is based on the Texas Performance Standards Project and is individualized for each grade level.

Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 provides for certain protections and, in some cases, services for students with disabilities. A child with a disability (which is defined as a child with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or a child with a record of such a disability [such as but not limited to diabetes, asthma, motor impairments, ADHD, hearing impairments, etc.]) may be eligible for a Section 504 Plan. Lubbock-Cooper ISD looks at each child’s individual needs when determining if a Section 504 plan is appropriate; parents and guardians are critical partners in determining whether a Section 504 plan is needed. If you are interested in receiving more information about Section 504, please contact your campus counselor.