1. Gifted and Talented
Overview
and
Program Attributes

2. Definition:
The state of Texas defines gifted and talented students as a child or youth who performs or shows the potential for performing at remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience,, or environment.
At La Joya ISD, we provide opportunities for all students to achieve at high levels; however, we recognize the need to accelerate instruction for those students whose performances indicates the need for a differentiated curriculum.

3. of gifted students by modifying the depth, complexity, an
OVERVIEW
TEXAS STATE PLAN FOR THE EDUCATION OF GIFTED/TALENTED STUDENTS Section 1: Student Assessments -Instruments and procedures used to assess students for program services measure diverse abilities and intelligences and
provide students an opportunity to demonstrate their talents and strengths. Section 2: Program Design -A flexible system of viable program options that provide a learning continuum is developed throughout the district and reinforces
the strengths, needs, and interests of gifted/talented students. Section 3: Curriculum and Instruction -Curriculum and instruction meets the needs
of gifted students by modifying the depth, complexity, an
pacing of the general school program Section 4: Professional Development -All personnel involved in the planning, development, and delivery of services to gifted students have knowledge to enable them to offer appropriate options and curricula for
gifted/talented students. Section 5: Family-Community Involvement -The district encourages community and family participation in services designed for gifted/talented students.

4. IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURES:
Nomination-The nomination process is open and ongoing.GT Teachers, Campus Administrators and / or School counselors solicit nominations from a variety of sources: parents, legal guardians, community members, peers, self, and teachers. Please contact your school GT Designee for nomination forms.
Screening –At least three criteria should be gathered by committee, some objective and some subjective from different sources.
Selection -Each member of the committee must be knowledgeable of the needs and potential of
gifted and talented students and familiar with the state guidelines for gifted and talented programs. They will review the student's profile and consider other pertinent information to determine appropriate placement of students in the program.
Participation –Parents will be notified by letter of their student’s qualification or non qualification for services.
· written permission of the students and the parents before a student is placed in a gifted program.
· Students who did not qualify may be re-nominated and re-evaluated the following school year during the testing cycle.

6. Elementary Level K-5 Secondary Level 6-12
GT/ Elementary (K-5)
Our gifted and talented students participate in an enrichment pullout program in which a certified GT teacher provides opportunities for enriching and extending their environment, thus enhancing their cognitive and effective development.
Pre AP / AP Services (6-12 )
All Students have an opportunity to choose Pre AP and AP courses.
Identified Gifted and Talented students are served in Pre AP and AP courses.
Pre-AP/AP courses provide motivated students with opportunities to engage in high-level critical thinking and intellectual pursuits through rigorous instruction and challenging texts. Pre-AP and AP courses offer a more rigorous curriculum conducive to success on college entrance exams and acceptance into colleges/universities. The higher level thinking skills and activities found in Pre-AP and AP courses require a commitment of study, effort, and participation above a standard level course. These skills transfer into excellent preparation for advanced, college level study.   
Other program Options:
Credit by Exam
Flexible grouping
Curriculum Compacting

7. An Introduction to Differentiated Instruction
Differentiated Instruction means creating multiple paths so that students of different abilities, interests, or learning needs present skills and knowledge as a part of the daily learning process. It allows students to take greater responsibility for and ownership of learning, and provides opportunities for peer teaching and cooperative learning.
Although curriculum goals may be similar for all students, methodologies employed in a classroom must be varied to suit the individual needs of all children; that is learning must be differentiated to be effective.

8. Some strategies that can help gifted/talented students maximize their educational opportunities.
Tiered Instruction -are activities that designed to teach the same skill or concept but at varying levels or degrees of challenge.
Compacting Curriculum - means assessing a student’s knowledge and skills, and providing alternative activities for the student who has already mastered curriculum content. (pre-testing)
Flexible Grouping – allows students to be appropriately challenged and avoids labeling a student’s readiness as a static state.

9. Curriculum should be differentiated in three areas:
1. Content:
2. Process:
3. Product:

10. Principles of a Differentiated Curriculum for the Gifted and Talented
Content
· Present content that is related to broad-based issues, themes, or problems
· Integrate multiple disciplines into the area of study
· Present comprehensive, related, and mutually reinforcing experiences within
an area of study
· Allow for in-depth learning of a self- selected topic within the area of study
Process
· Develop independent or self-directed study skills
· Develop productive, complex, abstract, and/or higher- level thinking skills
· Focus on open-ended tasks
· Develop research skills and methods
· Integrate basic skills and higher-level thinking skills into the curriculum
Product
· Encourage the development of products that challenge existing ideas and
produce “new” ideas
·Encourage the development of products that use new techniques, materials,
and forms
Source: National/State Leadership Training Institute on the Gifted and Talented, developed by the
Curriculum Council (James J. Gallagher, Sandra N. Kaplan, A. Harry Passow, Joseph S. Renzulli, Irving
S. Sato, Dorothy Sisk, Janice Wickless)

11. Texas Performance Standards Project
The TPSP is a statewide standards and assessment system that is being implemented in grades (K-8) to capture the high levels of achievement of gifted/talented students. The goal of the TPSP is for our students to create work that reflects the professional quality that the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students requires. Our Student projects are TEKS-based and focus on the core content areas of English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies with interdisciplinary connections.

12. Bright child vs Gifted Learner Characteristics

13. Elementary and Secondary
PEIMS Information
Elementary and Secondary
Where are GT folders kept ?
GT folders must be kept in the students perm folders at all times.
When do we review GT purple folders?
All current GT( Purple) folders should be reviewed at the beginning of each year.
How do we document discrepancies found in the GT folders?
Any discrepancies must be noted and documented yearly on the appropriate forms.
Where do we place and / or send the GT forms?
All original forms must be kept in the GT purple folder and a copy must be sent to the GT office.
How do we add / delete students from GT program?
Any students added and / or deleted have to be reported to the GT office as soon as possible in order to update the GT PEIMS data.
Who needs a list of the new and current identified GT students?
At the end of the year, a list of new and current identified gifted and talented students are to be provided to the assigned campuses and the GT office.

14. Staff Development LET’S ENGAGE!!!
All GT/Pre AP / AP teachers should have 30 hours in order to serve the students in their classes.
All GT/Pre AP / AP teachers should also have a GT 6 hour update annually in order to continue working with the G/T Students in their classrooms.
Pre AP / AP teachers are encouraged to attend an AP Summer Institute training (APSI) every other year.
La Joya ISD encourages teachers to expand on their educational training in order to keep up with the new trends, changes and strategies that can assist in the delivery of differentiated instruction
In determining how you will serve your gifted students (all students), can feel free to visit with their GT teacher(s) and / or the GT Designee for any enrichment activities across the curriculum .
LET’S ENGAGE!!!

15. Sandra A. Villarreal,
Advanced Academic Services Coordinator
Jeanette Garcia, Advanced Academic Services Secretary Office # Fax #