Lewisville ISD expands gifted‑identification screeners and reports added investment in GT services

Gifted and Talented leaders presented the district’s annual GT update on Feb. 3, describing identification practices, curriculum development and program investments aimed at increasing equitable access.

Elementary and secondary GT administrators said the district follows Texas Education Code and board policy for GT services and that recent legislative changes have altered professional‑learning requirements for some administrators. The district reported the state allotment equates to approximately $175.82 per qualified GT student (about $951,560 for the school year) but said the district spends roughly $3,000,000 annually on GT staffing, testing and program resources.

Administrators described universal screening implemented in grade 2 (now in its fourth year) and a new grade‑4 screener intended to capture transfers or students who demonstrate potential later. The elementary curriculum includes weekly pull‑out sessions and push‑in lessons in K‑2 classrooms to surface students who might otherwise be overlooked. Secondary GT leaders described ongoing adjustments to the LEAP curriculum and efforts to align instruction to the schedule change from 90‑ to 45‑minute classes.

The presenters said approximately 5,719 students were identified as GT last year, with 4,205 at the secondary level and the remainder at elementary; administrators noted the district is focusing on underrepresented populations and training campus staff to recognize gifted characteristics that can present differently across cultural groups. Trustees thanked staff for efforts to close identification gaps and asked for continued outreach and data reporting.