Texas Education Code 29.121

A Gifted student is defined by the Texas Law as:

A “gifted and talented student” is a student 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.

Some Helpful Generalizations about G/T Kids:

• Advanced thinking / ability to manipulate abstract systems of symbols (language and mathematics)

• Ability to concentrate intensely for long periods on areas of interest

• Advanced memorization skills

• Verbal aptitude / strong and early reading skills

• Intense curiosity / need to know “why”

• Preference for independent work

• Ability to generate original ideas

Affective Characteristics:

• Strong sense of justice / attraction to “causes”

• Altruism / strong desire to serve

• Sensitive and idealistic

• Great sense of humor (recognize inconsistencies and incongruities of everyday life)

• Emotional intensity / reactivity

• Early concern with death / mortality

• Perfectionism

• Strong attachments to others / friends and mentors

• Aesthetic sensitivity / love of the arts