White County Schools

Gifted and Talented Education Program (QUEST)

2025 - 2026

Overview

White County Schools' Gifted and Talented Education Program (QUEST) provides differentiated instruction for intellectually advanced and creatively gifted students in grades K–12. The program supports students in reaching their full academic potential by enriching and extending the core curriculum, fostering critical thinking, and offering opportunities to engage with intellectual peers.

Screening and Referral

What is the process for having my child evaluated for the gifted program?

Students are screened for gifted eligibility twice a year through automatic screening and classroom screening.

I. Automatic Screening (Conducted at the beginning of the school year)

• MAP Norm-Referenced Assessment (Grades K–5): Students who score above the 90th percentile in Reading or Math on the MAP assessment may be considered.
• Cumulative GPA (Grades 6–12): Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) over the past two years in core academic areas: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Reading, and/or Social Studies.

II. Classroom Observation Screening (Conducted October 1–15)

All school staff use the TABs (Traits, Abilities, and Behaviors) instrument to observe gifted characteristics in students across grades K–12.

What happens after my child is nominated for screening?

• Parent/guardian receives a Testing Consent Form.
• The student completes evaluations for gifted eligibility.
• Parents are notified of the eligibility determination 4–6 weeks after testing is completed.

When does screening occur?

• Fall Screening:
  • Automatic Screening: August–September
  • Testing Window: October–November
  • Notification: November–December
• Winter Screening:
  • Automatic Screening: December–January
  • Testing Window: April–May
  • Notification: March–April

How long does testing take?

Testing is typically conducted in one-hour sessions over one to five days, depending on the assessments required.

Can my child be tested before the school year begins?

No. The first opportunity for screening and assessment occurs at the beginning of the school year through the automatic screening process.

May I submit results from private testing?

Yes, but with conditions. Private assessments may be considered only for the mental ability category. To determine eligibility, these results must be supported by data from all four categories, one of which must be based on a nationally normed assessment. A complete report must be provided.

Who should I contact about the gifted program at my child’s school?

• Jack P. Nix Elementary: Allison Lundy
• Mossy Creek Elementary: Shayla Jarrard
• Mount Yonah Elementary: Kaylee Lusk
• Tesnatee Gap Elementary: Kelley Kostulakos
• White County Middle School: Chelsea Brannon
• White County High School: Stephanie Bolton

What are the benefits of the gifted program?

• Providing instruction that enriches and extends the core curriculum
• Encouraging advanced problem-solving and higher-level thinking
• Offering meaningful engagement with like-minded peers
• Supporting individual academic and social-emotional development

If my child qualifies, when do services begin?

• Elementary School (Grades K–5): Students receive five gifted segments per week taught by a gifted-endorsed teacher.
  • Fall eligibility → Services begin in January
  • Winter eligibility → Services begin in August of the following year.
• Middle School (Grades 6–8): Students receive five segments per week through core content classes. Placement is based on:
  • Classroom performance
  • Norm-referenced achievement scores
  • Teacher recommendations
  Services begin at the start of the next semester following eligibility.
• High School (Grades 9–12): Services are provided through Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Services begin at the start of the next semester following eligibility.

Need more information?

Contact the White County Office of Gifted and Talented Education: 706-865-2315

SY26 White Co Quest Gifted Program Handbook.docx.pdf