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Gifted and Talented Newsletter

Bastrop ISD September 2023

Gifted andTalented NewsletterBastrop ISD September 2023
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Welcome Back Families 2023-2024

We are excited to start this new year with the addition of two new elementary campuses, Camino Real and Colony Oaks. We are proud to welcome our students and teachers back for an amazing year ahead. The links provided below will give you access to our GT teachers.


Bluebonnet - Peggy Perkins

Camino Real - Jim Hallamek

Cedar Creek Elementary - Jackie Heger

Colony Oaks - Emily Weichert

Emile - Toni Malone

Lost Pines - Nanette Mitchell

Mina - Vickie Schroeder

Red Rock - Stevie-Ray Olson

Getting Ready For A Great Year Ahead

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WHAT IS GIFTED?

TAGT believes gifted students from every cultural background see the world in unique ways and are developing minds that just might discover innovative answers to the most challenging questions of their generation. When communicating with administrators, teachers, parents, community members, and the students themselves, it is crucial to emphasize that being identified as gifted and talented is not a badge of honor, not a reason for bragging, nor a reward for good behavior. It is an educational need. And once identified, the definition is essential in designing the services that permit G/T students to be appropriately challenged.


There is not universal agreement on a definition of what it means to be gifted. Also, students from differing backgrounds may demonstrate their giftedness in differing manners. It is valuable to investigate other well-recognized characterizations, as they include aspects of giftedness not incorporated into the state’s definition. Developing this broader perspective can help ensure that a wider range of gifted and talented students are properly identified and served.



TEXAS STATE DEFINITION (TEXAS EDUCATION CODE)

This definition is now codified in The Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students (Texas Education Agency, 2009), it is the basis for identification and services that must be provided for gifted and talented students in Texas.

“Gifted and talented student” means 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.


FEDERAL DEFINITION

"The term ‘gifted and talented,” when used with respect to students, children, or youth, means students, children, or youth who give evidence of high achievement capability in such areas as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who need services or activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to fully develop those capabilities."


COLUMBUS GROUP, 1991

“Giftedness is asynchronous development in which advanced cognitive abilities and heightened intensity combine to create inner experiences and awareness that are qualitatively different from the norm. This asynchrony increases with higher intellectual capacity. The uniqueness of the gifted renders them particularly vulnerable and requires modifications in parenting, teaching, and counseling in order for them to develop optimally.”

Event Information

Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented Parent Webinar: Connection Before Content

Join us for the TAGT Fall webinar designed specifically for parents of gifted students. In this session, attendees will delve into the critical topic of mental health challenges students face and the significance of fostering connections and relationships in their lives. Our expert panel will guide parents through an exploration of the unique struggles that gifted students often encounter, including feelings of isolation and loneliness. By providing valuable insights and practical strategies, this webinar equips parents with the knowledge and tools necessary to support their children in combatting these challenges. Be prepared for a successful new school year by joining us for this empowering event.


https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_w7h1L_WQSOG436bSbVrUVw#/registration

When?

Tuesday, Sep 12, 2023, 06:30 PM

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Mark Your Calendar

October 6-9 Student Holiday


October 13 End of 1st Nine Weeks - Be on the look out for a Campus GT Newsletter to be shared from your GT Teacher


October 26 Information Meeting for Prospective GT Families to learn about our referral and testing process. We will meet at the PAC starting at 6:00pm. Share this date and time with other families who might be interested in learning more about GT screening.


November 10; November 20-24 Student Holiday


December 14 3rd Annual District Showcase at CCHS 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Parent Resources