Purpose:
The purpose of the program is to seek, identify, and provide gifted learners with experiences that will develop the potential of each individual. Identified gifted students should be challenged in order to fully develop their abilities.
Comal ISD’s Mission and Philosophy of GT
The mission of Comal ISD, as the foundation of Public education, is to provide extensive learning opportunities through the commitment of a broad range of district wide resources to ensure that all students of our diverse communities have the opportunity to become contributing members to our changing society. We believe that every human being is of value, with the right to optimal development. Each person is unique; therefore we are committed to an educational program that recognizes the special value and needs of the individual student. Providing programs and materials for gifted students who perform at or show the potential for performing at a remarkable high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment (§29.121) is an integral part of this commitment. We believe that identified gifted students need a continuum of learning experiences that leads to the development of advanced level products and/or performances (§89.3). Modifications in instructional strategies, content, and the development of skills and/or products are part of the services that will be provided. The program should help to develop self-actualized learners by encouraging effective communication, guiding learners to be focused and self-directed, nurturing intra-personal and interpersonal skills, and focusing on independent research study skills, as well as developing critical and creative thinking and problem solving skills.
Student Nomination and Identification Procedures
Nomination Process: A student may be nominated by anyone with knowledge of the student’s abilities and talents. This includes school personnel, parents, other adults, the student, or peers of the student. Nomination Forms - (English | Spanish), are available on each campus - are filled out by parents, and returned to each child’s campus.
Identification Process:
Screening for identification is based on the following criteria:
Intellectural Ability is measured by:
Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test 2(NNAT2) and/or
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) , or
Any other comparable abilities test.
Adult Evaluations:
From a current or former teacher and a parent (parent information is used as extra information)
Portfolio/Product Evaluation
Portfolio/Product Evaluation
Completed at school and evaluated by the district selection committee.
Identification Timeline:
Identification Timeline:
See district website for specific assessment timeline.
Transfer Students
Transfer students are evaluated based on the criteria for identification. Students transferring from a similar program will be considered if the testing data sent by the former school district indicates the student has superior intellectual ability. Additional testing may be required. Students are placed in appropriate classes as soon as possible after all necessary information is available.
Gifted and Talented Curriculum
Curriculum and instruction for gifted students is met by modifying the depth, complexity, and pacing of the general school program. This is accomplished by providing a differentiated enriched academic environment that uses instructional methods and materials designed to develop thinking processes that enhance independent study and personal effectiveness.
Elementary School
Identified gifted students will be able to work together as a group, work with other students, and work independently during the
school day as well as the entire school year. All teachers who teach core subjects and have identified students in their
classroom will have the state required GT training and provide appropriately challenging learning experiences to all students.
Elementary GT Facilitators will provide pull-out opportunities to identified gifted students at least once a week.
Middle School Courses
Identified gifted students will have opportunities to work together as a group, work with other students, and work independently.
Students are encouraged to take Pre-AP (Pre-Advanced Placement) courses in the areas in which they excel. Identified students
may also take a Critical Thinking Through Cultural Awareness course that provides opportunities for higher level thinking and
problem solving. All teachers who teach core subjects and have identified students in their classroom will have the state required
GT training and provide appropriately challenging learning experiences to all students.
High School Courses
Identified students are encouraged to take Pre-AP and/or AP (Advanced Placement) courses in the areas in which they excel.
There are a variety of Pre-AP and AP courses offered on each campus. For a complete listing, see the High School Course
Guide. Identified gifted students are also encouraged to participate in the the Independent-Study Mentorship Program which
allows students to work individually with a teacher/Facilitator who will help the student arrange internships, field work/
visits, interviews, and long-term projects. Course projects, if of professional quality, may meet the Advanced Measures
requirement of the Distinguished Achievement Program.
