Your Partner in Gifted/ Talented Professional Learning



Who needs GT Training?

According to the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students, GT training is required for all personnel involved in the delivery of services to gifted/talented students.  BISD gifted services are provided by:

  • Elementary School: GT Cluster Teachers 
  • Middle School:  Honors (RLA/Science/SS) and Accelerated Math Teachers
  • High School:  Honors (Math/RLA/Science/SS), AP, OnRamps Teachers


5.1 A minimum of thirty (30) clock hours of professional learning that includes nature and needs of gifted/talented students, identification and assessment of gifted/talented students, and curriculum and instruction for gifted/talented students is required for teachers who provide instruction and services that are a part of the district’s defined gifted/talented services. Teachers are required to have completed the thirty (30) hours of professional learning prior to their assignment to the district’s gifted/talented services (19 TAC §89.2(1)). 

5.2 Teachers without required training who are assigned to provide instruction and services that are part of the district’s defined gifted/talented services are required to complete the thirty (30) hour training within one semester(19 TAC §89.2(1)). 

5.6 Teachers who provide instruction and services that are a part of the district’s defined gifted/ talented services receive a minimum of six (6) hours annually of professional development in gifted/talented education that is related to state teacher gifted/talented education standards (19 TAC §89.2(3) and TAC §233.1).

2025 - 2026 GT Professional Learning Opportunities

GT 30 Hour (Foundational) Credits

  • *Nature and Needs of Gifted Learners (For Teachers) (6 Hours)
  • *Identification and Assessment  of Gifted Learners (6 Hours)
  • Differentiation for Advanced Students (6 Hours)
  • Creativity and Instructional Strategies in the Classroom (6 Hours)
  • Social Emotional Learning for Advanced Students (6 Hours)
GT Update (Elective Courses)

 
  • High-Yield Critical Thinking Strategies for Gifted Learners **New Course
  • Overcoming Challenges: Perfectionism, Resilience and Motivation in Gifted Learners **New Course
  • Enhancing Opportunity and Inclusivity in Gifted Education **New Course
  • Differentiation for Advanced Students (6 Hours)
  • Introduction to Depth & Complexity  (6 Hours)
  • Tech Tools for Differentiation with GIfted Learners  (6 Hours)
  • Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learners  (6 Hours)
  • The Excellence Gap (3 Hours)  and Collaboration in the Advanced Classroom (3 Hours)

FAQ

  • If I already have my Initial 30 hours, do I have to take my GT update during the summer?

    No, according to 5.2 teachers need a minimum of six (6) hours annually. The GT Update may be completed during the summer or on a District PL day during the 25-26 school year. The Year 2 Portfolio allows teachers to self-select courses.

  • Will APSI or OnRamps PLI count toward my GT hours?

    Yes, 18 hours can count toward GT Learning, however Nature and Needs and Identification and Assessment are mandatory. These two courses can be taken during a PL day.

  • If I am working on my Initial 30 hours, can other courses be credited in place of Differentiation, Creativity, and SEL?

    Possibly, this requires prior approval as courses must relate to GT standards. Please reach out to [email protected] for approval if needed.

BASTROP ISD

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Summer PD Checklist

What do you need to do to enroll and be successful in this professional learning?

  • Enroll and create an Academity account using your '@bisdtx.org' Google address

  • Enroll in necessary coursework from the list below
    Not sure which courses to enroll in? See the section below.

  • Complete your coursework. If you have any questions or need any assistance, please email our support team: [email protected].

  • Upon completion of the course(s), please add your certificate(s) to KickUp for credit.

  • All course work should be completed by August 1, 2025.

What course(s) do I need to take?

Elementary, Middle (Honors), High (Honors) - Inital Hours

Initial 30 Hour (Foundational) Credits
  • *Nature and Needs of Gifted Learners (For Teachers)  (mandatory based on 5.1) (6 hours)
  • *Identification and Assessment  of Gifted Learners (mandatory based on 5.1) (6 hours)
  • Differentiation for Advanced Students (6 Hours)
  • Creativity and Instructional Strategies in the Classroom (6 Hours)  
  • Social Emotional Learning for Advanced Students (6 hours)


High School AP and OnRamps Teachers 

Initial 30 Hour (Foundational) Credits
  • *Nature and Needs of Gifted Learners (For Teachers)  (mandatory based on 5.1) (6 hours)
  • *Identification and Assessment  of Gifted Learners (mandatory based on 5.1) (6 hours)
  • APSI and PLI courses will count towards the remaining 18 hours of GT Credit.  

Elementary, Middle (Honors/Accelerated), or High School (Honors, AP, OnRamps) teachers who hold the Initial 30-hour GT credits and need their annual update to serve GT students.

GT Update (Elective Courses) 
6-hours Required
  • Differentiation for Advanced Students (6 Hours)
  • Introduction to Depth & Complexity  (6 Hours)
  • Tech Tools for Differentiation with GIfted Learners  (6 Hours)
  • Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learners  (6 Hours)
  •  Vertical Differentiation For Gifted & Advanced Learners  (6 Hours)
  • The Excellence Gap (3 Hours) and Collaboration in the Advanced Classroom (3 Hours)