Castleberry ISD

State Definition of Giftedness

The state of Texas defines giftedness for the purpose of identification and services that must be provided for gifted and talented students in Texas.

"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:

• exhibits high-performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area;
• possesses an unusual capacity for leadership; or
• excels in a specific academic field.

TEC, §29.121

Learning Characteristics

• Has unusually advanced vocabulary for age or grade level
• Has quick mastery and recall of factual information
• Wants to know what makes things or people "tick"
• Usually "sees more" or "gets more" out of a story, film, etc. than others
• Reads a great deal on his own; usually prefers adult level books; does not avoid difficult materials
• Reasons things out for himself or herself 

Motivational Characteristics 

• Becomes absorbed and truly involved in certain topics or problems
• Is easily cored with routine tasks
• Needs little external motivation to follow through in work that initially excites him
• Strives toward perfection; is self critical; is not easily satisfied with his own speed or products
• Prefers to work independently; requires little direction from teachers
• Is interested in many "adult problems" such as religion, politics, sex, race
• Stubborn in his belief

Creativity Characteristics 

• Constantly asking questions about anything and everything
• Often offers unusual (“way out”) unique, clever responses
• Is uninhibited in expressions of opinion
• Is a high risk taker; is adventurous and speculative
• Is often concerned with adapting, improving, and modifying institutions, objects, and systems
• Displays a keen sense of humor
• Shows emotional sensitivity
• Is sensitive to beauty
• Is nonconforming; accepts disorder; is not interested in details; is individualistic; does not fear being different

 Leadership Characteristics

• Carries responsibility well
• Is self-confident with children his own age as well as adults
• Can express himself well
• Adapts readily to new situations
• Is sociable and prefers not to be alone
• Generally directs the activity in which he is involved