G/T & Advanced Academics

Students will develop their ability to use higher-level thinking skills, extend their understanding of logical thinking through the use of deductive and inductive reasoning, demonstrate creative expression through both oral and written modalities, and continually refine their skills to become educated decision-makers.

Students will study advanced-level content and master the major concepts, skills, and processes of specific disciplines in which they demonstrate ability.

Students will develop the skills necessary for self-directed learning and will conduct independent studies and/or research projects that extend the regular curriculum and result in advance-level products.

Students will gain an understanding and respect for each person's abilities, recognizing the likenesses and differences between themselves and others, and will develop their own unique abilities for the betterment of both themselves and society.

Students who exhibit advanced intellectual development in one or more of the core subject areas (i.e., language arts, sciences, mathematics, social science) are identified and provided services through the Gifted and Talented Program.

In accordance with Student Assessment standard 2.20 under the Accountability column states, “All kindergarten students are automatically considered for gifted/talented and other advanced level services” (TEA, 2019, page 12). Meaning all students at the Kindergarten level will automatically receive G/T instruction through the following: Instruction at the Kindergarten level is achieved through a talent development option where all kindergarten teachers are G/T trained and are continually creating differentiated lessons with the assistance of the G/T Facilitator.

Student placement into the G/T program for the following academic year will go through the assessment process during the designated time and coded into PEIMS by March 1.  

1st-5th grades receive Tier 1 Gifted Instruction in their Clustered Classroom through the use of Depth and Complexity Framework. Students receive targeted curricular enrichment in all four core areas. Instruction and activities will align with district G/T standards that support critical content standards in Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science.  Grades 6th - 8th

Students at the middle school level (grades 6-8) may be scheduled into Humanities, Pre Biology, and/or Honors Language Arts, Social Studies, and/or Science classes. All options follow grade-level Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKs) but are academically advanced courses designed to challenge gifted and/or motivated students to understand the rigorous content.

• English- ELA Humanities, students participate in a humanities-based course to learn accelerated standards which prepares them to take AP English courses such as Colloquium (High School Humanities).
• Social studies- Social Studies Humanities prepares students for AP Social Sciences when they attend high school. In connection with ELA Humanities, this creates an interdisciplinary educational experience that challenges gifted and motivated students. 
• Mathematics- All students are tracked to take Algebra in 8th grade.
• Science- Students learn 6th, 7th, and 8th grade standards in two years, which prepares them to take the Honors Biology high school credit course in the 8th grade.

In high school, students continue to take G/T courses in their areas of strength through Honors and other advanced courses. Students have several options for their G/T service: Colloquium, Honors, AP and Dual Credit college courses.

• Colloquium- Are Language Arts and Social Studies blended (Humanities) courses based on interdisciplinary studies of the two disciplines. Gifted students are also serviced through a variety of Honors, AP and Dual Credit options.
• Advanced Placement (AP)- Are collegiate-level courses taught in a high school setting possibly culminating to the taking of an AP exam where a qualifying score of a 3 or higher may enable students to receive college credit and/or advanced standings at a university or college.
• Dual Credit and On-Ramps- Are college-level courses taught in a high school setting, can be taken at the college/university, or via online while still in high school.

In accordance with the Texas State Plan for the Gifted and Talented, all students receiving G/T services and curriculum will complete an independent research project each year to  engage in the following:

• Authentic research process - creating and answering questions using a variety of sources
• Professional Products - creating a product that culminates the research project
• Professional Communication - students must present to peers and educators about their research and conclusions.

Texas Performance Standards Projects

College Board

National History Day

Primary Education Thinking Skills