Definition

In Chapter 29.121 of the Texas Education Code, “gifted 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.

Program Philosophy

The philosophy of the Whitehouse Independent School District (WISD) program for gifted and talented students encompasses these core beliefs: 

• Gifted students have unique educational needs that demand the nurture and advocacy of a differentiated academic program.
•  It is essential for gifted students to interact with their intellectual peers, as well as all student peers. 
• Balanced programming for gifted students provides for both cognitive and emotional development. 
• Effective gifted programming equips students with the necessary skills to become self-directed, lifelong learners

State Goal for Services for Gifted Students

Students who participate in services designed for gifted students will demonstrate skills in self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication as evidenced by the development of innovative products and performances that are advanced in relation to students of similar age, experience, or environment and reflect individuality and creativity. High school graduates who have participated in services for gifted students will have produced products and performances of professional quality as part of their program services.

Whitehouse ISD Program Goals

Students in the gifted/talented program will: 

• develop the skills needed to communicate effectively, relate, and participate actively with others in a positive fashion; 
• address specific subject matter through a compacted curriculum and utilize advanced content and process to produce original products; 
• demonstrate creative thinking and the desire to discover alternative solutions to problems; 
• develop the skills, desires, and confidence to acquire knowledge independently

Curriculum

Curriculum for the academically talented must be differentiated from that used in the regular classroom and congruent with the characteristics of gifted children. The curriculum for the gifted/talented program in Whitehouse Independent School District will be based on the following guidelines: 

• individual needs, abilities, and interests 
• activities that emphasize the development of thinking skills rather than mere accumulation of knowledge 
• development of higher order thinking skills 
• divergent and creative thinking skills 
• active involvement of the learner 
• development of independent and self-directed learning skills 
• development of problem solving skills, including investigation and exploration of real problems 
• development of a healthy self-concept and relationship with peers

• 2022 Parent Orientation Video
• 2022 Parent Orientation Slide Deck