The document defines gifted and talented students in Texas and outlines the state's gifted and talented program. The purpose of the program is to identify and provide additional services to students performing at the highest levels. Districts must have policies for identifying gifted students, assessing students in K-12, and program specifics. Students are nominated, screened using multiple assessments, and final selections are made by a trained committee. Implementing the program requires developing a plan, research, and presenting to the school board. The program is then evaluated and changes recommended. The document also outlines standards for gifted teachers and three levels--acceptable, recognized, and exemplary--that districts can achieve for their gifted programs.

1. Gifted and talented

2. Definition In the state of Texas a gifted and talented student is defined as “a child or youth who performs at or shows the potential for performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment and who: exhibits high performance capability in an intellectual creative, or artistic area; possesses an unusual capacity for leadership; or excels in an academic field.

3. Program PurposeThe purpose of the Texas Gifted and Talented program is to identify those students performing at the highest levels, and to provide services for them to continue to achieve at these levels.The gifted and talented program was enacted to help gifted learners develop a challenging body of knowledge that will take them farther than just the bare minimum.

4. Program RequirementsAll school districts must have policies and procedures regarding the assessment process and programs provided in their specific G/T programs. These policies should include: identification of students,

5. assessment of students in K-12,

6. program specifics,

7. exiting students,

8. and provisions for those with special needs in the program. AssessmentsStudents are nominated and screened each year.Must be made up of multiple sources from each area of giftedness served by the district. The State of Texas mandates that at least three areas of giftedness must be addressed.Final selection of students is made from at least three (3) members from each district who have been trained in gifted and talented education.

9. Implementation To implement such a program it requires steps such as:Form a team to develop a plan for a G/T program.

10. The team will research gifted education, state rules and regulations, and develop a strategic plan.

11. Team will present plan to school board.

12. The district will hopefully implement the plan.

13. The program will be evaluated on the effectiveness of the new G/T program and will recommend changes.Texas Regulations The Texas SBEC has listed and explained seven standards that a gifted and talented teacher should prepare for and fulfill:

14. Standard I The teacher of gifted and talented students understands and applies knowledge of the historical, legal, and conceptual foundations of gifted education.

15. Standard II The teacher of gifted and talented students has comprehensive knowledge of the cognitive, social, and emotional characteristics and needs of these students.

16. Standard III The teacher of gifted and talented students understands and applies knowledge of assessment issues relevant to gifted and talented students, including identification, diagnosis, and evaluation.