Day 1-Exploring the Nature and Needs of Gifted Students (6 hours)
(Service Options and Legal Updates are included for Administrators and Counselors)
Learn how to recognize and appreciate the unique characteristics of these students. Participants will review the state law and guidelines that are outlined in the Texas State Plan for Gifted and Talented Students. Participants will examine best practices for serving gifted students and analyze different service options that are currently being implemented across the state.
Day 2-Assessing and Identifying Gifted Students (6 hours)
Examine the qualitative and quantitative tools and criteria for identifying gifted and talented students. Discuss the barriers to identification in underrepresented populations. Learn the state requirements and timelines for assessment and identification of G/T students. Review and analyze your district’s identification process and matrix.
Day 3-Differentiating for the Gifted Student (6 hours)
Participants will learn how to distinguish the difference between differentiation for all students and differentiation for the gifted. Review best practices that are supported by the Principles of a Differentiation for the Gifted, the Texas State Goal for the Gifted, A Nation Deceived and the Texas Performance Standards Project. The 7 E model for instruction will be introduced as a possible planning tool for enrichment.
Day 4-Using the Elements of Depth and Complexity to Increase the Rigor for the Gifted Student (6 hours)
Learn how to teach the elements of depth and complexity on a regular basis, so that products and performances that gifted students produce are advanced and sophisticated. Explore research skills that need to be emphasized in a G/T Curriculum. Examine the rubrics and instructional materials in the Texas Performance Standards Project.
Day 5-Developing Creativity in all Students including the Gifted (6 hours)
Explore the facets of creativity and how to nurture creativity in all students, including the gifted. Learn problem solving strategies that help students come up with creative solutions. Teachers will leave with strategies and activities to use in the classroom
