We are committed to serving all students who qualify for a Gifted & Talented (G&T) program, including students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who qualify for a G&T program will receive special education services and supports in the G&T program.
Can students with disabilities participate in Gifted and Talented programs?
Yes. All students—including students with disabilities—entering kindergarten through third grade are encouraged to participate in the G&T admissions process. Students with disabilities who qualify for a G&T program will receive the services and supports they need in the G&T program. A student’s disability will not prevent their access to G&T programming, and being in a G&T program will not prevent their access to special education services.
Does the G&T admissions process consider disability status?
Students receive G&T offers subject to:
- Performance on eligibility measures
- Seat availability
These offers are made whether or not students have an:
- Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Individualized Education Services Program (IESP)
- 504 Accommodation Plan
Can students with disabilities receive testing accommodations on the G&T test?
Yes. Students who require testing accommodations, including those who have IEPs, IESPs, or 504 Plans, may be eligible to receive accommodations on the G&T test as long as the accommodations do not change what the test is designed to measure.
The G&T test is untimed for all students, and all students are offered breaks during testing to reduce the amount of time they are required to focus on a single task. The test is administered on a one-to-one basis to pre-kindergarten students, with test administrators recording their answers for them.
How do we request testing accommodations on the G&T test?
Submit a Request for Testing if you are interested in having your child take the G&T test. Find out more on the Gifted and Talented page.
In the “Testing Services Information” section of the RFT, you can:
- Request a large-print testing booklet or any other testing accommodations
- If you indicate that your child needs other testing accommodations, the DOE will contact you to confirm eligibility to receive the requested accommodations
- Specify the language in which you would like your child to be tested
G&T Testing Locations
Students who currently attend a DOE school (excluding pre-kindergarten students) are tested in their school on a weekday. Testing coordinators consider all of the student’s needs when determining testing accommodations. Students in pre-kindergarten, charter schools, and non-public schools are tested on the weekend. If a student does not have an IEP, IESP, or 504 Plan, the DOE considers other documentation of the need for accommodations.
How do we appeal a denial of accommodations?
If you suspect misadministration of the G&T test, including misadministration due to improper implementation of accommodations, report it by emailing the Office of Assessment at ServiceCenter@schools.nyc.gov or sending a letter to:
Office of Assessment
G&T Test Administration
44-36 Vernon Boulevard
Room 202
Long Island City, NY 11101
For specific deadlines and policies regarding the appeals process, please refer to the G&T Handbook, which you can find on the Gifted and Talented page:
What happens when a student with a disability accepts a placement in a G&T program?
When a student with an IEP or IESP accepts a placement in a G&T program, the IEP team at the receiving school:
- reviews the student’s IEP or IESP
- considers the student’s strengths and weaknesses, and
- works with the family to meet the student’s needs.
Students with IEPs and 504 Plans in G&T programs are educated alongside their general education peers in the least restrictive environment to the greatest extent possible.
IEP teams will take into account how the high-level instruction the student will receive in the G&T program will meet the student’s academic and social-emotional needs when determining what special education services and supports the student requires in the G&T setting. IEP teams will also ensure that any supports that are put in place to help the student with the transition to a G&T program are documented in the IEP. If changes to services and supports are being considered, schools will update evaluations to reflect the student’s current needs.
Transportation
How are students with disabilities supported in G&T programs?
The DOE provides students with disabilities the services and supports they need in the G&T program. G&T programs vary across schools in terms of instructional strategies and materials. Students with disabilities are not denied any of these supports because they are in the G&T setting, and they may receive additional supports to help them with the transition to G&T.
Can students be evaluated for special education services once in G&T?
Yes. All teachers must identify students who may require special education services and supports, and all students must have access to pre-referral services and evidence-based literacy interventions before a referral for special education services is initiated.
A student in G&T who is suspected of having a disability should be referred for an evaluation. Parents may make this referral. The student’s school is responsible for evaluating the student and, if found eligible, developing the IEP. If the student is eligible for special education services, the student may continue in the G&T program and receive special education services and supports.