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Gifted Education Policies


Texas


State Status: Blue

State Definition of "gifted & talented":
“‘[G]ifted and talented student’ means a child or youth who performs at or shows the potential for performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment and who:
(1) exhibits high performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area;
(2) possesses an unusual capacity for leadership; or
(3) excels in a specific academic field.”
(Texas Education Code Ann. § 29.121)
State Association: Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented
Governor: Rick Perry
State Dept. of Ed. - Gifted and Talented: Kelly Callaway
Commissioner of Education: Robert Scott

Statistics

Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2010-2011): Unknown
Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2009-2010): 4,824,778
Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2008-2009): 4,524,844
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2010-2011): Unknown
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2009-2010): 367,873
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2008-2009): 355,847
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2010-2011): $137,724,874
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2009-2010): $134,427,247
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2008-2009): $92,718,204
Percentage of students who took an AP exam in high school (2008-2009): 28.7%
Percentage of students who took an AP exam in high school (2007-2008): 27.5%
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on AP exams (2008-2009): 14.9%
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on AP exams (2007-2008): 14.5%
Number of schools offering International Baccalaureate programs (2009-2010): 93

Click here for statistical information from previous years.

Legislation & Funding

Does the legislation mandate that gifted students be served?
Yes (K-12)
Does the state require parent/guardian involvement in gifted and talented identification and service decisions?
Yes, at the local level
Does the state require specific criteria/methods to identify gifted students?
Yes
Multiple criteria model Other: Quantitative and qualitative measures
Does the state provide guidance or guidelines for the identification process?
Yes
Is the age or time at which students are identified for gifted programming mandated in your state?
No
Is there legislation that mandates specialized training in gifted education for teachers of gifted students?
No
Does your state require school districts to have a gifted education administrator?
No
Does the state have an acceleration policy?
State policy specifically permits
Institute for Research and Policy on Acceleration (IRPA) - State Policy page
Does gifted education legislation exist?
Yes
Texas Education Agency information

Davidson Gifted Database Resources

  • Day Schools
  • Distance Learning
  • Dual Enrollment
  • Early College
  • Enrichment Programs
  • Gifted Education Degree Programs
  • Homeschooling
  • Online High Schools
  • Summer Programs

    • Other Resources

  • Hoagies: Gifted Education Mandates By State
  • Education Week: Quality Counts 2010 - State Report Cards
  • National Opportunity to Learn Campaign - State Data & Analysis
  • Dept. of Education: Funds for State Formula-Allocated Programs (XLS)
  • National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) State Policy Page

    • Do you have any updates on gifted education in this state? Please click here

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    Information presented on this page was compiled from a variety of resources, including, but not limited to: The STATE of the States in Gifted Education, a report by the Council of State Directors of Programs for the Gifted and the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC); state departments of education, state gifted associations, informational websites and other organizations. The Davidson Institute for Talent Development has not verified the accuracy of all information and does not warrant its accuracy or fitness of use for any purpose. Users should verify information prior to taking any action. Furthermore, the appearance of selected programs and/or resources does not imply an endorsement or affiliation. Programs and resources are highlighted for informational purposes only.