Connally Independent School District

“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. Education Code 29.121

GOALS

The goals of the CISD Gifted and Talented Program are to provide opportunities to meet the educational, psychological, and social needs of gifted students. The program goals will include the following:

1. The gifted and talented students will gain expanded insights into their own academic ability, potential for success, and the inherent responsibility these gifts imply.

2. The gifted and talented students will expand their problem-solving and decision-making techniques by utilizing higher thinking skills.

3. The gifted and talented students will become more independent and self-directed in their educational pursuits.

CAMPUS COORDINATORS

Campus coordinators for Gifted/Talented programming have been designated for each site.

• Connally Early Childhood Center- Nicole Box, 750-7160

• Connally Primary- Kaylyn Waters, 296-7600

• Connally Elementary- Gretchenn Adkins, 750-7100

• Connally Jr. High- Debbie Snyder, 296-7700

• Connally High School- Andrea Clark, 296-6700

The district-wide coordinator for Gifted/Talented programming is Jeff Platt. You may contact him via email at jplatt@connally.org or by phone at either (254) 296 - 7600 or (254) 750-7100.

NOMINATION/REFERRAL PROCEDURES

Students may be nominated/referred for the gifted and talented program at any time by teachers, counselors, parents, or other interested persons. The district shall provide assessment opportunities to complete the screening and identification process for nominated/referred students at least once per school year per district policy.

Nomination forms will be available in the front offices at each campus. Forms should be completed and returned to the office. The due dates of December 1 (for Kindergarten students only) and March 1 (for students in grades 1-12) will be noted on the nomination form. When at all possible, information regarding nomination may be provided in languages that the families of nominated students are able to understand or an interpreter will be provided.

For students in Kindergarten, nomination and placement will be in the spring semester. Placement will be no later than March 1.

CAMPUS PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

Early Childhood Center (K)

• Kindergarten is the first opportunity to screen students for the Connally gifted program.  Students who meet specific criteria through the screening process will be evaluated with parental consent during the  winter.  Students who are identified for G/T services will be served in a pull-out program for 30 minutes daily each week after March 1. 

Primary Program (1-3)

• Students in grades 1 through 3 will be served through a pull-out program, meeting at least weekly.  

Elementary Program (4-5)

• Gifted students in grades 4 and 5 will have the opportunity to develop their creative thinking, critical thinking, and problem solving skills through a pull-out program, meeting at least weekly.  

Junior High (6-8)

• Gifted students in grades 6-8 will have the opportunity to develop their creative thinking, critical thinking, and problem solving skills through pull out opportunities. 

High School (9-12)

• Gifted students in high school are served through advanced classes (with differentiation) in their core areas, dual credit, and some elective courses, such as Art and Theater. Many GT students choose to compete in these and other activities in Academic UIL competitions.
• GT students can take dual credit courses through MCC, and students may take additional MCC courses on an individual basis. Students can also take dual credit courses through TSTC in dozens of career pathways, with the opportunity to attain certification in a career technology before graduating high school.
• GT students are also served through advanced elective classes in Art, Debate, Theater, and Journalism. Many GT students choose to compete in these and other activities in Academic UIL competitions.
• GT students can take dual credit courses at through MCC in U.S. History, English Composition, Government, and Economics. Students may take additional MCC courses on an individual basis.
• Students can also take dual credit courses through TSTC in dozens of career pathways, with the opportunity to attain certification in a career technology before graduating high school.