RISD opens window for elementary gifted testing referrals

Richardson ISD will open the referral window for gifted and talented (GT) testing for elementary students on September 29, 2026. The window closes on October 13, 2026. Parents must complete the appropriate referral form during this period if they wish for their child to be tested for potential GT identification. Referrals submitted outside this timeframe will not be accepted.

Eligibility requirements vary by grade level and learning community. In the Lake Highlands Learning Community, parents must submit referrals for kindergarten, first, third, and fourth graders. Second and fifth graders are tested automatically and should not complete a referral form.

In the Berkner, Pearce, and Richardson Learning Communities, referrals are required for kindergarten, first, and third through fifth graders. Second and sixth graders are tested automatically and do not need a referral.

Students currently identified for GT2 services, which provide 30 to 45 minutes of instruction per week, may retest to determine qualification for GT3 services, which provide two hours of instruction per week. A referral form is required for these students unless they are in a grade that is automatically tested.

For example, GT2 students in second or fifth grade in Lake Highlands, or second or sixth grade in the other communities, are tested automatically and should not submit a referral.

Testing will take place on each campus throughout the late fall and winter. Advanced Learning Teachers will communicate specific testing dates to families as the testing window approaches. Parents can review additional details regarding testing timelines in the district’s ParentSquare newsletter.