• What is G/T?

    G/T stands for Gifted/Talented. It is a program which supports the highest level of student achievement for students who have been identified in need of services based on the State of Texas definition of Gifted/Talented.


    How does the State of Texas define Gifted/Talented?

    According to the State of Texas, "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:

    1. exhibits high performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area;
    2. possesses an unusual capacity for leadership;  or
    3. excels in a specific academic field.

    Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.

    This means a child can be:

    • Gifted - showing the potential for performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment.
    • Talented - performing  at a remarkably high level of accomplishment

    A child can also be both Gifted and Talented.

    The areas of Giftedness/Talent the State of Texas considers when providing services are:

    • High performance capability in an intellectual area
    • High performance capability in a creative area
    • High performance in an artistic area
    • An unusual capacity for leadership
    • Excelling in a specific academic field (Math, Science, English Language Arts, or Social Studies)

    At South San Antonio ISD, we strive to identify and provide services to students based on the full scope of the state definition. 


    How do SSAISD identify students for Gifted/Talented Services?

    At South San Antonio I.S.D. we utilize both quantitative and qualitative information to determine if a child is in need of Gifted/Talented services.

    Quantitative - Measureable data (scores) based on assessments such as the Iowa, Naglieri, Logramos, CogAT, and STAAR.

    Qualitative - Observational data (Teacher Surveys - Renzulli, Purdue, Parent Surveys, Student Work Samples) regarding student ability and performance.

    A G/T Committee composed of a minimum of three educators who have received training in the nature and needs of gifted/talented students will meet to review the individual student data. Based on both types of data they will determine appropriate placement for the student.

    A letter will be sent home to the parent/guardian notifying them if the child qualified for services. A meeting with a G/T committee member can be scheduled to discuss individual student results in more detail.


    What can I do if I believe a student is Gifted/Talented?

    If you believe a student is Gifted/Talented and would benefit from services, complete a Referral Form and submit it to the child's teacher or the school counselor.

    Testing occurs annually during the winter. If a student qualifies for G/T services, they will begin receiving services when the next school year begins.


    What are some characteristics of Gifted Learners?

    Bright Child Gifted Learner
    Knows the answer Asks the questions
    Is interested Is highly curious
    Is attentive Is mentally and physically involved
    Has good ideas Has wild, silly ideas
    Works hard Plays around, yet tests well
    Answers the questions Discusses in detail, elaborates
    Top group Beyond the group
    Listens with interest Shows strong feelings and opinions
    Learns with ease Already knows
    6-8 repetitions for mastery 1-2 repetitions for mastery
    Understands ideas Constructs abstractions
    Grasps the meaning Draws inferences
    Completes assignments Initiates projects
    Is receptive Is intense
    Copies accurately Creates a new design
    Enjoys school Enjoys learning
    Absorbs information Manipulates information
    Technician Is highly curious
    Good memorizer Good guesser
    Enjoys straightforward, sequential presentation Thrives on complexity
    Is alert Is keenly observant
    Is pleased with own learning Is highly self-critical