If my child took the G/T test before entering kindergarten and qualified for Vanguard, do I need to apply for them to get those services at their neighborhood school, or do they get them automatically?
Your child will automatically get the services and not have to reapply/test, but you will need to take a copy of the identification matrix that will be mailed to you to the school where your child is enrolling. The only time this will not apply is if your child leaves the district for more than four academic months; if they leave for more than four academic months, they must re-test.
Can my child be tested more than once a year?
No, he or she can only be tested once a year. If your student is tested twice, the first test administration will be used to determine if your child is identified as G/T.
Does my child need to be tested again to stay in the program?
No. Once your child qualifies to receive G/T services, they will continue to receive them unless you request otherwise or if your child leaves the district for more than four academic months; if they leave for more than four academic months, they must re-test.
What if I no longer want my child to receive G/T services?
At any time during a school year, you have the option to voluntarily withdraw your child from the G/T program by submitting the Voluntary Exit Form to the Vanguard coordinator at your child’s school.
What are the steps involved in the G/T Identification Process?
The G/T Identification Process takes place as follows:
Is my child identified as G/T based on test scores alone?
No, identification as G/T is determined by points obtained based on test results and other criteria. Scores are entered and converted into points on HISD’s G/T Identification Matrix.
Who has the final say over whether my child is admitted to a Vanguard program? HISD’s GT Department develops the criteria for admission, which is based on the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted and Talented Students . Admission criteria are the same for the Vanguard Neighborhood and the Vanguard Magnet programs. The Advanced Academics department also conducts the admission committee meetings for the HISD Vanguard Magnet programs. For information on the Vanguard Magnet programs, see this page.
If my child qualifies, do they automatically get G/T services, or do I have to formally request them?
Your child will automatically get G/T services if they attend the school where they applied because that school processed their application, and they are aware that the child is qualified. If your child enrolls at a different campus than the one they applied to, they will need to provide that school with a copy of the matrix.