Elementary
Gifted and Talented students in grades 1-5 at Waco ISD are enrolled in specialized GT cluster classrooms. These classrooms are taught by educators trained to work with gifted learners. Additionally, these students participate in weekly GT enrichment pull-out sessions led by certified GT enrichment teachers.
Pull-out sessions for grades 1-3 last 1.5 to 2 hours per week, while grades 4-5 sessions last 2-3 hours. During these sessions, students delve into a curriculum aligned with the Texas State Plan, focusing on self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication.
In the GT cluster classrooms, teachers differentiate instruction to meet the unique needs of each student's areas of advancement. This ensures that all students are challenged and supported in their learning.
Kindergarten students at Waco ISD are identified for Gifted and Talented (GT) services by March 1st. Once identified, classroom teachers differentiate instruction to meet the unique needs of these students for the remainder of the school year. GT pull-out services begin for identified students in first grade. These services provide specialized instruction and enrichment opportunities to support their academic growth and development.
Goals
Students will
- demonstrate self-knowledge with respect to their interests, strengths, identities, and needs in social emotional development and in intellectual, academic, creative, and leadership domains;
- enhance competence in using interpersonal and technical communication skills;
- demonstrate personal and social responsibility when practicing leadership skills;
- exhibit growth within their aptitudes and interests, including acceleration and enrichment;
- become independent investigators and lifelong learners; and
- identify future career goals and the talent development pathways to reach those goals through rigorous academic standards.