We are committed to providing our Gifted and Talented (G/T) students with the challenging, engaging experiences they deserve. This school year, HISD has shifted from individual student G/T plans to Campus-Based G/T Plans. Each campus selects how services will be delivered from district-approved options, and at Parker we are excited to launch a stronger, more consistent G/T program than ever before.
What G/T Looks Like at Parker:
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Embedded Extension in Core Lessons: Teachers are incorporating G/T extension questions and activities directly into Tier I instruction.
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Dedicated G/T Pull-Outs: G/T students will be pulled during the school day, on a regular cadence during ENCORE, for targeted enrichment opportunities. Students will work with a dedicated G/T teacher and a cohort of peers to collaborate on advanced learning tasks and projects.
What is Gifted and Talented?
The state defines a gifted/talented student as a child or youth who demonstrates—or shows the potential for—remarkably high achievement compared to peers of the same age, experience, or environment. G/T students may:
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Exhibit high performance in intellectual, creative, or artistic areas;
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Possess an unusual capacity for leadership; or
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Excel in a specific academic field.
In alignment with the State of Texas our Parker goal for G/T services is that students will demonstrate self-directed learning, critical thinking, research, and communication skills. They will also produce innovative products and sophisticated performances that reflect individuality, creativity, and real-world application.
Our Commitment at Parker
As I have mentioned several times last school year -- in past years, Parker has not consistently provided robust G/T services to our students. That changes this year. The creation of our ENCORE time was intentional—to ensure G/T students receive dedicated instructional time without compromising their Tier I learning. Instead of working on G/T Expo projects primarily at home, students will now have structured school time to design and create.
We are thrilled to announce that G/T Expo Capstone projects will begin Friday, September 12th.
Parents, get ready to see some truly innovative and creative work from our Parker Lions!
Together, we are raising the bar for our G/T program and cannot wait to showcase the amazing things our students will accomplish this year.
