Throughout the year, about five percent of Pasadena ISD students are identified for services in the district’s Gifted and Talented program.

The program is for students who demonstrate advanced academic skills in self-directed learning, thinking, research and communication.  The student also may show skills in developing innovative products that reflect individuality and creativity of an advanced level when compared to students of similar age; experience and environment.

Students are currently being screened for the GT program using qualitative and quantitative measures.  Looking at students’ performance, teacher rating, parent/student rating, achievement rating and intelligence rating determines if a student is eligible.  Each campus has a Screening and Selection Committee that reviews the students profile to determine if the student is eligible for the GT program of services.  Leading this committee is the campus GT coordinator. 

Any parent, campus personnel, community member or another student can nominate a student for the program.  The nominations can occur at any time and at any grade level throughout the school year. 

According to the Texas Gifted and Talented State Plan and Guidelines, any culturally or linguistically different, economically disadvantaged or handicapped student can be included in the G/T program.

Screening begins right after the beginning of school and lasts during the first semester.  In February, newly identified students begin services in the G/T program.

The G/T students receive instruction from trained teachers.  Teachers must have 30 hours of training to be a G/T instructor and update their training each year.  

As an identified G/T student, a child can participate in advanced level projects or independent studies on their own.  GT students may attend a summer camp to learn other skills helpful in their academic development.

Anyone who wishes to nominate a student for G/T program may contact the school campus or call Patricia Sermas, the district’s director of advanced academics at 713-740-0103.