• RAUL YZAGUIRRE SCHOOLS FOR SUCCESS

      GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAM 2020-2021

       

      The GT nominations for inclusion in this school year’s program are now open. In order to nominate a student, the Nomination Form must be completed and turned in by Monday, November 30, 2020.

       

      According to the Texas Education Code Chapter 29, Subchapter D §29.121, the definition for “gifted and talented students” 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:

      1. exhibits high performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area;

      2. possesses an unusual capacity for leadership; or

      3. excels in a specific academic field.

       

      A student may be nominated by a teacher, a parent, a peer, any staff or community member.

       

      As of today and until November 30, 2020, Nomination Forms will be available at the front desk of your school or you can download it here:

      2020-2021 GT Nomination Form

      2020-2021 GT Recommendation Form

       
     

    Gifted and Talented Program

     
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    • Gifted & Talented Program

      The Raul Yzaguirre Schools for Success (RYSS) works to empower all students to be prepared to live and work successfully in the 21st century. Consistent with that vision, RYSS offers every student college and career readiness programs that meet their individual needs and intellectual ability. The Gifted & Talented program is designed for students who perform at a high level of accomplishment and demonstrate creative and productive thinking and/or leadership ability. The Gifted & Talented programs provide these students with coursework that has the depth, complexity, and pacing that addresses their level of learning.

      In the school’s Gifted & Talented program, students are provided instruction that is geared toward self-directed learning with an emphasis on research, analysis, creativity, and communication. In addition, students may work in collaboration with businesses and industry representatives on projects and presentations. Faculty members foster individual thinking as well as group collaboration in the development of class projects and research assignments. It is expected that projects completed in this program will be comparable to professionally produced projects and presentations.

      Similarities and Differences with Other Programs

      The Gifted & Talented program runs parallel to Advanced Placement and STEM courses on our campuses, working to stimulate and challenge students.  As a member of the Gifted & Talented program, a student may develop a project further than their classmates, research more in depth on a topic, or create a differentiated product to showcase his/her efforts and understanding. Gifted & Talented students are served in the general education classroom through differentiation, as well as in a dedicated Gifted & Talented group, which meets once a week to work on specific projects and plans.

      Admission Process and Requirements

      To be a part of the Gifted & Talented program, a student must first be nominated. Nominations are open at least once per school year and may be submitted by parents, other students, classroom teachers, or other staff.  Once nominated, the Gifted & Talented committee examines each student holistically, considering the teacher recommendation, the last report card, and scores on both norm-referenced and nonverbal tests. If a student is selected, a letter is sent home to parents, and the student is added to the program. This includes a designation in the student's record that he/she is identified as a Gifted & Talented student.  

      For those students who are nominated but not selected, a letter is sent to the students’ parents; however, they may be nominated again in the following year.