Gifted & Talented Services

All students considered for GT services begin with the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), which measures verbal, quantitative, and non-verbal reasoning. Depending on grade level, students may also take achievement tests. In elementary and intermediate grades, we use Star Renaissance in math and reading; at the junior high level and up, PSAT scores are used.

For students in grades 2–8, a CogAT age stanine score of 8 or 9 in any one of the three batteries (verbal, quantitative, or non-verbal) or on the overall composite automatically advances them to the achievement testing and matrix stage. For Kindergarten and 1st grade, students with a VQN composite score of 8 or 9 automatically qualify for GT placement. Students who earn at least an 8 or 9 on an individual CogAT battery may also advance to the matrix for further evaluation.

Achievement tests help us understand how students apply their abilities in reading and math. These scores are combined with ability results and teacher/parent surveys to form a complete picture of each child’s strengths.

Parents and teachers complete surveys about students’ learning styles, creativity, motivation, and social-emotional strengths. These responses are coded into data and considered alongside ability and achievement results.

Students who are new to Tomball ISD are considered for GT testing on a rolling basis throughout the school year. For Kindergarten, the screening process begins in late fall, with formal testing taking place in January and February. For all other grade levels, the GT testing process begins in March. This schedule allows us to gather the most accurate information about students at each developmental stage while also providing equitable access for new students entering our district. Students may only be tested once per year.