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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 (2005-2006): 4,505,572
Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2004-2005): 4,383,871
Number of schools offering International Baccalaureate programs (2006-2007): 57
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2005-2006): 342,353
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2004-2005): 337,650
Dollars allocated for education (2005-2006): Unknown
Dollars allocated for education (2004-2005): $40,627,525,739
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2006-2007): $77,191,366
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2005-2006): $69,477,000
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2004-2005): $68,780,000
Public school educators with degrees/endorsements in Gifted and Talented education(2005-2006): 6,591
Public school educators with degrees/endorsements in Gifted and Talented education (2004-2005): 6,452
Students who have taken Advanced Placement exams in high school (2006-2007): 66,114
Students who have taken Advanced Placement exams in high school (2005-2006): 64,513
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on Advanced Placement exams (2006-2007): 14.5%
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on Advanced Placement exams (2005-2006): 14.6%

Click here for statistical information from previous years.

Legislation & Funding

Is identification of gifted students required by state law?
Yes Identification begins in kindergarten
Does legislation provide for an education program matched to the student's abilities?
No
Is there legislation that mandates specialized training in gifted education for teachers of gifted students?
Yes
Are there colleges/universities in the state that offer courses and/or degrees in gifted education?
Yes Click here for a list of Gifted Education Degree Programs.
Does gifted education legislation exist?
Yes Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students (PDF)
Texas Education Agency information
Does the legislation mandate that gifted students be served?
Yes
Was there funding for gifted programs for the 2005 - 2006 school year?
Yes
Was there funding for gifted programs for the 2004 - 2005 school year?
Yes
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.