Frequently Asked Questions

In Kansas, giftedness is defined as intellectual giftedness. This means the student’s cognitive ability is significantly higher when compared to same-age peers. Academic talent, however, is the ability to perform well in one or more academic areas and is not always an indication of giftedness.

The team includes school staff who have knowledge of the student: general education teacher, gifted education teacher, school psychologist, counselor, administrator, and others with information to contribute.

There is no defined timeframe. The process is paced to meet the needs of each child. The first two steps occur in the classroom and vary in duration. Once the child enters the comprehensive educational evaluation, the team has 60 school days to complete assessments.

No. Preparing students for intelligence or achievement testing can invalidate results and delay the process. Encourage your child to relax and simply do their best.

Not necessarily. The evaluation team considers multiple factors when determining eligibility.

No. If school staff determine that the child’s needs are being met through the general education program, they may decline to begin the eligibility process—even with a parent request.

Outside evaluations may be considered by the school team, but they do not replace the district’s eligibility process. Consult your school team to discuss the results.

Possibly, if a meaningful change occurs. However, assessments are not repeated within the same calendar year.

Families may write a response to be attached to the evaluation report, ask questions, and share concerns. If needed, contact the special education administrator who oversees gifted education.

They provide differentiated learning experiences tailored to student needs. Gifted education teachers collaborate with them to implement these strategies across the curriculum.