Gifted and Talented

The philosophy of South Texas ISD reflects an understanding of the uniqueness of individual gifted/talented students. Because the learning characteristics of gifted and talented students dictate learning experiences that differentiate from those provided for them in the regular school program, the district recognizes that special provisions must be made for these students in order to stimulate and maximize their achievement as well as provide for their social and emotional needs.

South Texas ISD recognizes that gifted and talented students are found in all cultures, socioeconomic groups, geographic locales, and environments. South Texas ISD will serve the needs of those students who perform at or show the potential for performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment.

About the Gifted and Talented Program

Definition of Gifted and Talented Students

“Gifted and talented student” means 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 a specific academic field (TEC Subchapter D §29.121).

What is expected of a gifted/talented student?

The State of Texas goal requires students who participate in services designed for gifted students to demonstrate skills in self-directed learning, thinking, and research and communication as evidenced by the development of innovative products and performances that reflect individuality and creativity and are advanced in relation to students of similar age, experience or environment. High school graduates who have participated in services for gifted students will have produced products and performances of professional quality as part of their program services.

Click to download the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted and Talented Students

Gifted and Talented Services

Identified students in grades 6-12 are provided service through open enrollment AAC and AP classes with GT-trained teachers in the core subject areas of English language arts, social studies, science, and mathematics.

Curricular compacting, lesson differentiation, and participation in the projects aligned to the Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP) are some of the many curricular options utilized in core GT classes.

Gifted and Talented Program Vision, Mission and Goals

Program Vision

South Texas ISD will be a leader and innovator in the development of the gifted and talented students intellectual, creative and leadership potential through participation in an exemplary program that fosters the gifted and talented students’ unique needs and abilities.

Program Mission

It is the mission of STISD’S Gifted and Talented Program to implement best practices by which we identify, teach, support and nurture gifted and talented students to be lifelong scholars, critical thinkers, innovators, leaders and global contributors.

Program Goals

Goal 1: Establish an equitable and effective identification process for gifted and talented students.
Goal 2: Maintain equitable participation and increase performance in advanced academic opportunities.
Goal 3: Increase and vary enrichment opportunities for gifted and talented students.
Goal 4: Provide parents and teachers with the tools and resources to gain knowledge to support gifted and talented students.