Advanced Academics

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.

The state of Texas defines a gifted and talented student as 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 capabilities 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

All second grade students will be automatically screened within the first semester of school. Screening will be based upon input from teachers, parents and testing data. Those identified will be served by highly trained GT teachers.

Testing and identification of referred students in K, 1, 3-6 begins in the second semester testing window, with services for identified students to begin immediately upon receipt of the Acceptance of Service form from parents. Referrals accepted year-round.

Testing and identification of secondary (7-12) students will be conducted once per semester on a referral basis. Referrals accepted year-round.

According to MISD Board Policy EHBB (Local), criteria shall be specific to the state definition of gifted and talented and shall ensure the fair assessment of students with special needs, such as the culturally different, the economically disadvantaged, and students with disabilities.