Gifted & Talented
WHAT IS THE KLEIN GT PROGRAM?
Klein ISD Advanced Academic Services supports students with high academic ability or the potential of performing at high levels academically, through specialized classroom services which may include depth and complexity, enrichment, differentiation through content, process, and product, investigative research pathways, academic acceleration, and readiness for college and career. All of these components turn rigorous learning into action to address the cognitive, social, and emotional needs of gifted and advanced Klein ISD learners.
WHO TO CONTACT?
Your first resource is always your child's teacher.
Keri Jefferson - GT Advocate
Brianna Walrath - GT Principal
Lindsay Harrison - Counselor
Rachel Hass - Advanced Academics Program Coordinator
WHAT IS A PCL?
Personalization Summaries will be sent home at the end of each 9 weeks. Students will share a goal statement that they have worked on accomplishing during their time in class. These letters are used as communication to show details on differentiation, update you on research, and see ways child is being enriched and supported. The PCL are are great tool to build conversation with students.
DOES MY STUDENT HAVE TO COMPLETE A RESEARCH PATHWAY?
As required by the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students, every GT student in Klein ISD will be given the opportunity, as a part of their school day, to learn research and complete a pathway of their choosing. We highly recommend that each student take advantage of this to prepare for the advanced level classes they will be taking in high school and college.
CAN MY STUDENT CHOOSE ANY OF THE PATHWAYS, NO MATTER THEIR AGE?
Yes! They may choose whichever pathway they like based on interests and topic. The pathways are meant to be a progression, but can be completed in any order. Our goal is for every GT student to complete a Sophisticated Product during their high school years through an AP Capstone or AP Research class, but this can be accomplished by elementary and intermediate students as well.
WHAT IF A STUDENT NEEDS HELP WITH THEIR RESEARCH?
Most campuses will give opportunities to select a GT teacher to guide students through this process. They may be your "mentor" or "facilitator". If you are not sure if you have a mentor, please see your campus GT Advocate for assistance.
DO I HAVE TO WORK ON MY RESEARCH AT HOME?
No, you do not. You will be given adequate time at school throughout the year to complete your research. If you are able to conduct interviews, visit museums, or have additional research experiences outside of the school day, that is highly encouraged.
DOES MY STUDENT HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN A RESEARCH PATHWAY?
The Texas State Plan for Gifted and Talented states that each GT student will be given the opportunity to participate in a continuum of learning experiences, or create an advanced project, or a sophisticated product as part of the GT curriculum. It is highly recommended that GT students participate in this process. Texas Education Code 89.3
IF MY STUDENT IS IN A CLUB OR ORGANIZATION, DOES THIS COUNT AS A RESEARCH PATHWAY?
Students may use certain clubs or organizations to guide an investigation or exploration of the topics learned, ending in a product to showcase their learning.
WHEN WILL MY CHILD BE WORKING ON THEIR RESEARCH PATHWAY?
The students will be given the opportunity to work on their research pathways during school hours with their teachers and mentors.
CAN I HELP MY STUDENT WITH THEIR RESEARCH?
Your students will have a mentor or facilitator on campus that will guide them through the research process. We welcome parents to ask questions and encourage their students to continue their learning. Our goal is to have student created products to showcase in March.
WHO IS INVITED TO THE RESEARCH EXPO?
All GT students are invited to the Expo! We will have parent presentations in the evenings as well!