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Taylor ISD outlines identification, services and growth plans for gifted-and-talented students
Summary
District staff reviewed the gifted-and-talented (GT) identification process, services and counts: 62 nominations in 2024-25 as of March 1 and nine students qualified for GT services under the committee process; the district added CogAT to its universal screener this year.
Taylor Independent School District staff summarized the district—s gifted-and-talented (GT) program, identification process and in-school services, reporting 62 nominations for 2024--25 (K--12) and nine students qualified through the district committee process as of March 1.
The presenter explained Texas—s statutory definition of gifted and talented and said the nomination process includes referrals from staff and family members. The presenter described parent information nights and campus calibration sessions used to help staff and families recognize GT profiles, noting GT students are "not generally just your high achieving kids" and may display different patterns of learning.
Program delivery: elementary GT services largely operate as pull-out sessions led by a GT-certified teacher (often in a librarian or dedicated space). Middle-school GT services rely on protected pull-out time; at the high school level GT opportunities increasingly are embedded in honors and AP classes. The presenter said GT teachers must complete a 30-hour initial certification and six hours of annual updates, and administrators/counselors receive six hours of leadership training for GT support.
Screening and assessments: the district added the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) to the universal screener this year to strengthen committee selection. Examples of GT activities included project-based learning, 3D printing, STEM challenges, robotics, Claymation film projects and off-site experiential trips. The district plans campus showcases at the end of year to highlight student work.
Why it matters: GT identification and program design determine which students receive differentiated instruction and enrichment and how resources and professional development are directed across campuses.
The presenter said the district maintains a dedicated GT web page with parent information and campus contacts and encouraged trustees to promote awareness of the program. No formal board action was taken; the presentation was informational.
