MacArthur's GT Page

Instructional Expectations of Teachers of GT students

Students who are identified as G/T through district selections are required to receive 150 minutes of G/T instruction and services per week. Instructional expectations for G/T teachers include:

• Following the district Scope and Sequence for instructional planning

• Establishing a positive atmosphere for writing, reading, and learning

• Differentiating lessons and scaffolding areas of weakness

• Incorporating flexible groups

• Allowing students to develop skills in complex thinking

• Delivering explicit instruction in comprehension, application, analysis, evaluation, and creative skills

• Allowing student choices when possible

• Developing listening, speaking, and research skills

• Using appropriate assessment tools to determine instruction

State of Texas Education Information

According to information provided through the Texas Education Agency website, "The state's goal is to ensure that students who participate in services designed for gifted/talented students will demonstrate skills in self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication. This is evident by the development of innovative products and performances that reflect individuality and creativity are advanced in relationship to students of similar age,experience, or environment. High school graduates who participated in services for gifted/talented students will have produced products and performances of professional quality as part of their program services."

The Texas Education agency defines a "gifted/talented student" as 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. (Texas Education Code Sec. 29.12

• All districts in the state of Texas are required to establish a process for identifying and servicing G/T students as well as developing programs at each grade level. GPISD is committed to ensuring that the state's expectations are not only met, but accounted for, as we continue to expand and improve our G/T program for our students right here at MAC!

Identification for the GT Program

The district has established G/T assessment and selection requirements for each grade level, testing kindergarten students in the fall (along with any new students to the district who participated in a GT program in their previous district) and grades one through five throughout the spring semester.

Students will be tested for the G/T program based on their academic performance in the classroom, on district and state assessments, as well as teacher/parent nominations. Students must receive parent permission to participate in G/T testing and receive G/T services (if selected to participate in GPISD's Journeys Program).