Region 14 ESC - GT
Advanced Academics, Gifted/Talented, and Fine Arts
Field Trip Opportunity
Big changes are coming to STEAM Adventure! Mark your calendars—this year's 3rd-5th grade event moves to the Fall and will take place November 10–12, 2026 at our new venue, the Abilene Convention Center.
As a benefit our Title IV SSA districts will receive priority early registration and discounted student pricing. Check out the "Save the Date" flyer above for more details, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Start this School Year off Right!
30-Hour GT Foundational Training
Before serving GT students, teachers need to complete the 30-hour foundational training. In the fall, we offer the self-paced, online version and an in-person, face-to-face version. The training consists of five 6-hour trainings (called days 1-5). Day 1 focuses on Nature and Needs of GT Learners. Day 2 is about Identification and Assessment. Day 3 covers Differentiation. Day 4 looks at Creativity, and Day 5 explores Depth & Complexity. Additionally, if it has been over five years since you took the 30-hour training, you can use Days 3, 4, or 5 as an annual 6-hour GT update.
(Online, Self-Paced version)
The "days" are each open for a week and run back to back, so you're able to complete these trainings over the course of 5 weeks on your own schedule from your own location. These courses are housed on Canvas LMS and include a variety of readings, videos, activities, and discussions.
Day 2 - Identification and Assessment: October 2 -8th
Day 3 - Differentiation: October 16 -22nd
Day 4 - Creative and Critical Thinking: October 30- Nov. 5th
Day 5 - Depth and Complexity: November 13 -19th
(In-Person, Face-to-face version)
If you prefer a more traditional workshop experience, these presentations follow the TEA information in a classroom setting, where each day of the course is offered in person. All five of these trainings will be held from 9:00-4:00 each day.
Face to Face:
Day 2 - Identification and Assessment: October 7th
Day 3 - Differentiation: October 22nd
Day 4 - Creative and Critical Thinking: November 18th
Fall 2026 GT 6 Hour Updates
GT Updates
These trainings are all approved to give you the annual 6-hour GT update. As other consultants publish their offerings, I might be able to attach the GT Update approval to those workshops, too. You can always search on PITStop and filter for GT or GT Update to get the most recent listings.
Press Play: Game-Based Learning for Young Learners
December 8
ESC North
You don't need to throw out your lesson plans to make learning exciting. This hands-on workshop shows K–5 teachers how to infuse gameplay into the curriculum you already teach while maintaining high expectations for student achievement. Learn how to leverage game mechanics to increase active participation, strengthen skill mastery, and spark joy in your classroom.
GT Coordinator: Test Administrators - "How To" On Testing
November 17
ESC North
If you are a counselor, administrator, teacher, and/or GT Coordinator responsible for administering GT assessments, you need to attend this training. We will review how to administer the Torrance Test of Creativity and the online tests (CogAT, Iowa, Naglieri). We will discuss procedures for ordering testing and receiving scores. Register Here
Region 14 ESC -Gifted/ Talented
Email: acarpenter@esc14.net
Location: 1850 State Hwy 351, Abilene, TX, USA
Phone: 325-675-8689