Gifted and Talented
Idalou ISD Gifted and Talented Program Information
GT is the enrichment program provided for students who have been identified as intellectually gifted and talented. All students are eligible to be selected for the program at each campus. In order to be identified as gifted and talented, each student must undergo a screening and selection process.
The referral window for 1st-12th grade opens at the beginning of the school year and remains open through the end of the 1st grading period. A teacher, parent, student, or other interested person observing a student with consistent evidence of gifted characteristics may refer him/her during the appropriate referral window.
Timeline and Links
Parent Referal Form Link (Deadline October 16, 2026)
Characteristics of a Gifted Learner
IISD Coordinators
Elementary GT Coordinator-Holly Chowning hchowning@idalouisd.net
Middle School GT Coordinator-Becky Woodell bwoodell@idalouisd.net
High School GT Coordinator-Julie Pratt jpratt@idalouisd.net
District GT Coordinator-Erin White ewhite@idalouisd.net
Elementary
The Elementary Discovery Program is a cross-curricular thematic based pullout program for students in grades K-4. Participating students will demonstrate skill in self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication as evidenced by the development of innovative products and performances that reflect individuality and creativity and are advanced in relation to students of similar age, experience, or environment.
Middle School
This elective is an inquiry, project based course that makes connections across the disciplines and meets the state mandates for the Gifted and Talented. This course is only available to identified Gifted and Talented students. 5th-6th grade is a pull-out program done each day. 7th-8th grade students are served in our IMS honors program in Math and Reading.
High School
Identified GT students are served through group and individualized instruction in the classroom as well as through special programs. These special programs include extensions of the classroom programming, accelerated pacing, enrichment activities, specially designed courses, Pre-AP and AP classes, dual credit coursework and Dual Credit Courses.
All students who have previously been identified as gifted by Idalou ISD are admitted into the program. Teachers, parents, or students may nominate students for the program. Nominated students will have the option to participate in assessment to determine eligibility for the program according to district guidelines.
In order for students to remain active in the GT Program, they must participate in Honors, Pre-AP, AP or Dual Credit Coursework. Students who do not participate in any of these courses will receive a letter noting that they are choosing to “furlough” those requirements for a year. If a student furloughs for more than one year, they are considered inactive and may be exited from the program. You may be contacted by the high school counselor if your child chooses not to participate in the coursework.