Gifted and Talented Education

What does it mean to be a “Neighborhood Vanguard” School?

All HISD schools identify gifted and talented children within their school population and offer them specialized instruction to meet their needs.  These students are served through the Neighborhood Vanguard Program.

What are the criteria for determining whether a child is G/T?

The Texas Education Code defines the G/T child as one “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.  The child also: exhibits high performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area; possesses an unusual capacity for leadership; or excels in a specific academic area.”  Students are evaluated on multiple criteria, including ability and achievement testing, teacher ratings, and grades.  At present, approximately 35% of Roberts students are designated G/T.

When is my child evaluated?

Beginning the 2023-2024 school year, all 2nd grade students are automatically tested in the fall using an ability test along with the achievement norm referenced test.  Qualified students will receive services with the program beginning later in the spring.  Families entering Roberts or whose children are not identified as G/T may have their children considered for the Neighborhood Vanguard program.  Please check our website for information regarding the G/T testing windows and application deadlines.

What happens if my child is identified as G/T?

Roberts offers its G/T students a differentiated curriculum using the IB PYP planners, workstations, and by modifying the general academic program in depth and complexity within the regular classroom setting.  All teachers at Roberts have a minimum of thirty hours of Gifted and Talented professional development and receive an additional six hours of continuing G/T professional development each year.