GIFTED AND TALENTED

Click the link above to visit the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented.

Background of the Gifted and Talented Program

In 1990, when the state plan for the education of gifted students was adopted by the Texas State Board of Education, the mandate to identify and serve those students was just beginning.  That plan was designed to provide program guidance and to assure that all students find the opportunity to be fairly and accurately assessed for advanced level services. 

A new Texas state plan was adopted by the State Board of Education in November, 1996, and built on the first effort, taking districts and campuses to the next level of program implementation:  refining existing services and creating additional curricular options that lead to exceptionally high levels of student performance.

According to former Commissioner of Education, Jim Nelson, "The Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students continues to be recognized throughout the nation as a model for designing quality services that meet the needs of advanced and gifted learners. 

GOAL OF THE GT PROGRAM

Students who participate in services designed for gifted students will demonstrate skills in self-directed learning, thinking, 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. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

All populations of the HISD school district have access to assessment and, if identified, services are offered as part of the the program for gifted students. 

TESTS USED TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY

GATES--Gifted and Talented Evaluation Scales                             

TONI--Test of Nonverbal Intelligence

SAGES--Screening Assessment for Gifted Elementary and Middle School Students

WOODCOCK-JOHNSON--Standard and Supplemental Batteries

PLACEMENT COMMITTEE

Final selection of students for services designed for gifted students is made by a committee of at least three (3) local district or campus educators who have received training in the nature and needs of gifted students. 

The placement committee for Hereford Independent School District is made up of the following:

Kelli Moulton                Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Linda Lowe                     Director of Instructional Support Services

Lily Roberts                    Counselor, HISD

Debbie Smith                  Counselor, HISD

Jeanie Birkenfeld            Counselor, HISD

Lauri Paetzold                Counselor, HISD