GIFTED/TALENTED RESOURCES  

According to the Texas Education Agency, a gifted/talented student is 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 §29.121)

Gifted/talented students need to be identified in an effort to help them achieve their potential. It is important to note that identifying a child as gifted/talented does not mean the child will be successful or doesn’t need to be taught. For instance, advanced athletes and musicians require practice and coaching. In addition, gifted/talented students often struggle with asynchronous development, overexcitabilities and perfectionism. Gifted/talented students often have an array of social and emotional needs that must be addressed to help them realize their potential.

Gifted/talented does not mean the same as being a high achiever. High achieving and gifted/talented learners have different motivations, abilities and focuses. While the two share many characteristics, gifted/talented does not necessarily mean high achieving, and a high achiever may not be gifted/talented. Students who are high achieving know what it takes to succeed and are willing to put in the time and effort necessary to be successful. A gifted/talented student, on the other hand, might demonstrate innate, advanced aptitude that may or may not translate into academic achievement.

Identification of gifted/talented students can be challenging based on student’s maturity, test taking ability and areas of giftedness/talent. The goal of identification is to help students who learn differently thrive in life. If you have a student who is gifted/talented or advanced, here are resources to enhance their learning opportunities.

Hoagies’ Gifted Education Page

NuMinds

InvestIN

Duke TIP Elementary

Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented

On the MVES campus, classroom teachers are tasked with differentiating core instruction as needed for students identified as gifted/talented. If you have questions regarding how your child is being served, please contact their homeroom teacher.