Change of Placement

1. Students who have been identified for gifted services outside of RISD will be considered for RISD gifted services. This will occur within six (6) weeks of receipt of gifted records and include the following procedures:

   
   

   1. The student enrolls in an RISD school.

   2. The parent provides records used in gifted identification to the campus Advanced Learning Teacher (elementary) or counselors (secondary). The ALT or counselor forwards the records to the Director of Advanced Learning Programs & Services.

   3. The Director of Advanced Learning Programs & Services evaluates the records to determine if the testing has occurred within the last two and if scores are applicable to qualify for RISD gifted services.

   4. If the scores do not meet the district standard or they are older than two years, the district will provide the student with an opportunity for assessment.

   5. Students who qualify for gifted services will begin immediately unless the placement committee determines it is not an appropriate time for entry. In that case, the student will begin the following school year.

Exiting a student from gifted/talented services is based on multiple criteria including student performance in response to services. An exit from gifted services is pursued when it is determined that another setting will provide the best education for that student. Decisions made by a committee of at least three local district or campus educators who have received training in the nature and needs of gifted/talented students shall be based on if the student fails to show adequate growth and/or progress within the curriculum of the gifted services which indicates the services are no longer an appropriate placement for the student.

When an exit is being considered, the committee meets to discuss the cumulative profile and service options. One of the following options will be selected:

1. The student continues to receive gifted services,

2. The student continues to receive gifted services for a determined observation period. At the end of the observation period, the committee will reconvene to render its decision, or

3. The student will be exited from the gifted services. The student would require retesting for possible requalification.

Furloughing (Texas State Plan 2.10: “the opportunity for students to have a leave of absence from gifted/talented program services for specified reasons and for a certain period of time without being exited”)from GT services means the student will cease to participate in GT Pullout services for a specified reason and a specified period of time. The furlough would apply both to Core+ and Pullout. (Furlough may be initiated by a student, parent, or ALT.)

Parents/guardians, students and teachers may request consideration of a furlough for a student from gifted services. This furlough is for a specified reason and period of time.

To apply for a furlough, the parent/guardian first must submit the appropriate form (available from the student’s Advanced Learning Teacher). After the form is received, a committee of at least three local district or campus educators who have received training in the nature and needs of gifted/talented students will convene to make the determination of the Furlough from the following options:

1. The student receives a furlough for a specified period of time and reason. In elementary, a student served in Pullout may receive a furlough from that level of service to Core+ or a furlough from all services. At the end of that term, the committee will reconvene to extend the furlough if the situation warrants OR to begin services again. If the committee determines an extension is not warranted, the parent may choose to withdraw the student from services. In that case, the student would require retesting to requalify for gifted services, or

2. The student does not receive a furlough based on the committee’s review. The parent may choose to withdraw the student from services at this time. The student would require retesting to requalify for gifted services.

For elementary students receiving GT3 services the best option may be to change the service to GT2 services which should be explored prior to a furlough being considered.

GT2 to GT3: Students who are qualified for GT2 services may retest to see if they qualify for GT3 services.

GT3 to GT2 means the student is not responding to GT3 services. The Placement Committee will review the evidence and make a final decision. (This change in tiered services is initiated by the ALT or parent/guardian.)

Email: kelsey.karcher@risd.org

Email: sara.mooney@risd.org