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Course Descriptions

State Mandated Professional Development for Teachers of Gifted Learners
​  ​ Texas Administrative Code §89.2

GT 30

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Nature and Needs of Gifted and Talented Students
​(Social Emotional Learning)

Gifted learners respond differently in the classroom.  During this 6-hour session we will delve into different types of gifted learners teachers may come across in their classrooms.  Gifted learners often don't respond the way we think they should.  Teachers need to understand the unique need and potential of gifted learners.

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Identification and Assessment of Gifted Learners

The Texas State Plan for the Education of  Gifted/Talented Students provides educators with a framework for identifying gifted learners in their schools.  This course will pay a significant amount of time reviewing policy associated with the identification and assessment of gifted learners.  In addition, we will look at fair and equitable ways to find our English language learners and twice exceptional students (students with more than one identified need).  

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Curriculum and Instruction for Gifted Learners

Gifted and Talented students have the potential to perform well above their peers.  However, if we don't create challenging, interesting, and rigorous activities for them, we can lose them.  During this 6-hour course, we will look at ways to adjust our curriculum and differentiate for gifted learners.

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Critical Thinking

What is critical thinking and why do we need to do it?  This 6 -hour course will do a deep dive into the 5 elements of critical thinking and explore ways to bring critical thinking into your lesson planning and lesson delivery.  Special attention will be paid to encouraging critical thinking in your gifted learners.  

Creativity

Many of our gifted learners naturally think creatively.  The ability to think creatively is a benefit to any learner.   However, unless students are taught to channel their creative thinking into something productive, their natural talent may go unchallenged.  During this 6-hour course we will investigate the qualities and characteristics of creative thinkers and examine ways to encourage thinking this way.

6-Hour Annual GT Update

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Everyday Differentiation for Gifted and Talented Learners
What do we do with the kids who finish first?  In this 6-Hour update we will explore the myths associated with gifted learners.  Then we will look at strategies to help our early finishers continue their learning, such as menus, choice boards, using technology.

AP is NOT GT
Many districts use advanced classes such as Honors, Pre-AP, and AP for their secondary gifted program.  Gifted students are included in these courses.  This 6-Hour update will review the needs of Gifted and Talented learners and how to differentiate for them in a class with advanced course work.  

Why Did the GT Kids Go Crazy During the Pandemic?
We are still feeling the effects of the 2020 pandemic.  It was especially hard on our GT population.  As a matter of fact, it continues to be.  During this 6-hour session we will review the social emotional needs of our gifted population.  

Using Texas Performance Standards Project to build PBL for Gifted Students
During this 6-hour session, teachers will explore the TPSP website, select a topic and create the materials needed to help students dive deep into a topic asking the complex questions and exploring the real world.