Elrod GT Program

What is Gifted and Talented?

NISD’s GT program design is based upon the work of Dr. Joseph Renzulli's concept of "giftedness," which addresses the student's

intellectual ability,
creativity, and
task commitment.

Northside Independent School District recognizes that all gifted students are entitled to a program of educational experiences which provide opportunities to maximize the development of their capabilities.

Each elementary campus has a GT Specialist who is responsible for pullout services, while also managing the GT referral, screening, and testing process.

Pullout Services: Gifted students in grades 1-5 attend classes with the campus GT Specialist where they participate in activities promoting creative and independent thinking. These small groups focus on interdisciplinary, process-centered learning opportunities embedded in a specially designed curriculum meeting the requirements of the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students.

To learn more about the process of identification for gifted and talented services scan the QR code on the the parent awareness information flyer below.

Parent Awareness Information

NISD Gifted/Talented Program Referral

The referral button above is only a viable link during the current testing window. Refer to the Northside Advanced Academic and Gifted and Talented Website to locate the most current GT Testing Schedule. It will be located under the links of Gifted & Talented then Testing & Identification.

Northside Advanced Academics and Gifted & Talented Website

Glimpses of the Program Standards and Expectations

Habits of a Scholar

Universal Themes

Creativity: SCAMPER

Critical Thinking: Depth

Creative Thinking: FFOE

Critical Thinking: Rigor

Marty Ortiz

I am the GT Specialist at Elrod Elementary. This is my 32nd year in education & 12th year as a GT Teacher. I love & admire talents in others and enjoy learning about new innovative ideas. Every year my goal is to spark interest or inspire anyone I have the pleasure of meeting. I believe that Elrod is a very special place with wonderful children and amazing teachers who possess the knowledge and passion for our profession as much as I do. My daughter completed her elementary career here at Elrod. It was this family of people that contributed to her many successes and continue to influence her today. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science with a focus on Environmental Science from the University of Texas San Antonio. She is a product of Northside and proof that teachers do make a difference in the lives of their students. My lovely and very patient husband is equally as proud as I am of our daughter and our doggy/son Joshua. My belief is, anything is possible when we work together for our children.

If you have any questions about the GT Program, please contact me, all contact information is below.

Email: marty.ortiz@nisd.net
Website: https://www.nisd.net/elrod
Location: Elrod Elementary School, Heath Circle Drive, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: (210) 397-1800

Elrod GT Program

GT Awareness Information for Parents

What is Gifted and Talented?

Habits of a Scholar

Universal Themes

Creativity: SCAMPER

Critical Thinking: Depth

Creative Thinking: FFOE

Critical Thinking: Rigor

Marty Ortiz

Created with

Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

What is Gifted and Talented?

Parent Awareness Information Parent Awareness Information

Glimpses of the Program Standards and Expectations Glimpses of the Program Standards and Expectations

Habits of a Scholar

Universal Themes

Creativity: SCAMPER

Critical Thinking: Depth

Creative Thinking: FFOE

Critical Thinking: Rigor

Marty Ortiz

Created with

Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

Parent Awareness Information

Glimpses of the Program Standards and Expectations