Aldine ISD Opens Gifted and Talented Fall Identification Window for 2025-2026

The window closes Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

Aldine ISD has opened its fall referral window for Gifted and Talented (GT) identification, a crucial step in recognizing and supporting students’ unique strengths. The nomination period runs from September 1–30, 2025, giving schools and families the opportunity to identify students for advanced academic services.

“GT identification is designed to recognize a student’s potential, not just their test scores,” said Dr. Susan Pelezo, AISD executive director of advanced academics. “Every child, regardless of background, language, or learning differences, has a fair chance to be identified for GT services.”

Benefits of GT Programs

Students identified for Gifted and Talented Education (GATEway) Program services gain access to advanced learning opportunities that challenge them academically while nurturing creativity, problem-solving, and leadership skills. They also connect with peers who share similar abilities and interests, fostering confidence and a sense of belonging.

Families benefit by gaining a clearer understanding of their child’s abilities and access to resources that support long-term academic success. Aldine ISD staff partner with families throughout the process, offering guidance and resources to ensure students thrive.

What Sets Aldine ISD Apart

GT staff receive training.

Aldine ISD takes a holistic approach to GT identification. The district considers multiple measures — such as grades, surveys, and ability assessments — to provide a comprehensive view of each student’s strengths. Universal screenings in kindergarten, second, fifth, and eighth grades further ensure equitable access for students across all backgrounds.

To enhance fairness, the district provides professional learning for campus GT coordinators on recognizing gifted characteristics in emergent bilinguals, students with disabilities, and students from underrepresented groups. Aldine ISD also monitors referral and identification data to address disparities, ensuring every student has a fair opportunity to demonstrate potential.

“Our program goes beyond identifying advanced learners,” Pelezo said. “We provide support for the whole child from elementary through high school, including pathways that prepare students for college, careers, and beyond.”

High school students take part in the Accelerated College Academy, a partnership between Aldine ISD and Lone Star College–Houston North. Pictured with students is LSC-Houston North President Dr. Dr. Quentin Wright.

From elementary school through graduation, GT students receive differentiated instruction that emphasizes depth, complexity, and critical thinking. Beginning in elementary, all GT students complete the Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP), which builds research and presentation skills. In middle and high school, students continue through advanced pathways, including Honors, Advanced Placement, dual credit, and UT OnRamps courses.

“All secondary students in grades 6–12 must take advanced academic classes,” Pelezo explained. “These classes challenge students academically and prepare them for future success.”

Students have the autonomy to select the type of course they wish to take in high school.

Nomination and Screening Process

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Any student may be nominated for GT identification. Referrals can be submitted by parents, teachers, community members, or even students themselves through the district’s Advanced Academics webpage.

Once a referral is submitted, the campus GT coordinator gathers student data, including grades, surveys, and standardized test scores. Students also take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), a widely used assessment that measures verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning. CogAT assesses students’ thinking and reasoning abilities to identify those who may excel in advanced academics, even if their classroom performance doesn’t fully reflect their potential. The results help guide instruction, giving teachers insight into how students learn best and which areas they may need extra challenge or support.

The district also uses culturally responsive practices such as offering assessments in home languages, helps reduce language bias and increase access for English learners, thereby, increasing the identification of the gifted potential in diverse learners.

After the evaluation, a campus GT committee — made up of a campus administrator, counselor, the GT coordinator, at least one GT credentialed teacher, and additional personnel who have received GT Nature and Needs training — reviews all evidence to determine if the student would benefit from receiving GT services. The committee’s role is to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation, taking into account all aspects of the student’s abilities and potential. The process takes about four to six weeks. Families are notified in writing and by phone, and parental permission is required before screening and services begin.

Next Steps for Families

Families interested in nominating a student should complete the referral form on the Aldine ISD Advanced Academics webpage or contact their campus GT coordinator.

Additional resources, including parent webinars, are available through the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented at txgifted.org.

The fall referral window closes on September 30, 2025. Families are encouraged to act now to ensure their child has the opportunity to participate in this enriching program.