Curriculum, Instruction, & Accountability » Gifted & Talented Program

Gifted & Talented Program

Gifted and Talented

What is the Gifted/Talented Program in BCISD?

BCISD serves students who are identified as advanced intellectually or academically through our Gifted and Talented (GT) program. 

The Texas State Guidelines for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students
This plan identifies five categories of giftedness:
  • general intellectual ability
  • specific academic aptitude
  • creativity
  • leadership
  • visual/performing arts

GT Program Description

Kindergarten: 
All Kinder students will be screened for GT identification in the Spring semester.  Identified GT students and Challenge students are then served within core content areas following identification.

1st-5th Grades:
Identified GT Students and Challenge students are served within core content areas in homogenous classes in grades 1-5.

6th-8th Grades:
Identified GT and Challenge students are served within core subject areas in Honors classes and/or accelerated high school core subjects (Algebra I), additional high school credit opportunities in elective courses, including CTE, are available or any student.

9th-12th Grades:
Identified GT and Challenge students are served within core subject areas in Honor classes, Advanced Placement classes, Dual Credit classes, and Early College High School, additional dual credit opportunities in electives and CTE are available for any student. 

*Credit by Exam for Acceleration is also available. Classes and courses serving all GT students are taught by trained teachers skilled in meeting the needs of GT learners.

GT Goals

  1. The GT students will enhance their critical thinking skills through language arts, social studies, advanced mathematics, and scientific content designed to refine the higher-level thinking processes.

  2. The GT students will develop effective behaviors and the convergent and divergent cognitive abilities involved in the creative thinking process.

  3. The GT students will acquire research skills necessary for the development of an original product and will understand more complex and comprehensive content. Research and products will incorporate appropriate technology.

  4. The GT students will develop an understanding of their own needs, interests, and talents in order to become more self-directed learners.

  5. The GT students will exhibit a tolerance for the differences between themselves and others.

GT Identification Process

Teachers, campus administration, counselors, parents or other interested adults may nominate potential candidates. Schools gather screening information and offer testing for interested students.

Students transferring into BCISD who were eligible for Advanced Academics in another district must ultimately meet BCISD identification standards. New students entering with documentation indicating Gifted & Talented identification will automatically be placed in the GT program.

GT handbook

More info:
 BCISD Assistant Superintendent
Christopher Townsend
979-401-1005