Definition of Gifted and Talented:
A "gifted and 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.
State Goal Regarding Services for Gifted Students:
Students who participate in services designed for gifted students will demonstrate skills in self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication as evidenced by the development of innovative products and performances that reflect individuality and creativity and are advanced in relation to students of similar age, experience, or environment. High school graduates who have participated in services for gifted students will have produced products and performances of professional quality as part of their program services.
TEA Gifted and Talented Documentation:
Gifted and Talented programs are required in all public school districts. Detailed program requirement information is available in this Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students document (Spanish version available here). If you have questions about the information in the State Plan document, the Texas Education Agency's Advanced Academics Unit has published this Frequently Asked Questions document.
Note: Viewing the State Plan document requires Adobe Acrobat Reader (available free).