Castleberry ISD

Professional Learning Opportunities

All Gifted and Talented training required for the school year should be completed BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF INSTRUCTION.

Each teacher working with Gifted and Talented (G/T) students is required to earn the initial basic CORE 30 hours of professional learning. Each subsequent year, teachers must acquire a six-hour update to remain in compliance with state guidelines. The training is mandatory for all core academic teachers grades K-5 at the elementary schools, and grades 6-12 teachers of Honors and G/T classes, Advanced Placement (AP), and OnRamps dual credit courses.

The Region XI Education Service Center (ESC11) offers courses to fulfill the 30-hour requirement throughout each year. Teachers may take face-to-face courses in the summer, or asynchronous online courses throughout the year. Teachers may take 6-hour updates through Castleberry ISD or ESC11. Links to training opportunities are at Professional Learning.

Google Shared Drive for Advanced Academic Educators

Castleberry ISD educators who are teaching Advanced Academic courses at the secondary level or are teaching students in the Gifted and Talented  Program in our elementary schools have access to a shared drive through our district Google Drive. Teachers will find resources including Gifted and Talented Referral Forms. Counselors, Campus Instructional Leaders, and Leadership can access resources and information.

Enrichment, Extensions, Enhancements, and Resources

Texas Performance Standards Project
The Texas Performance Standards Project (TSPS) comprises a set of performance standards, curricula, and assessments for differentiating instruction and deepening  academic learning. TSPS enhances Gifted and Talented (GT) programs from grades K to 12.

Mensa for Kids
Mensa for Kids Lesson Plans are learning units that contain multiple lessons over the same topic that are designed to meet the needs of all children for extension beyond the standard curriculum.

Texas Education Agency Gifted and Talented Education
The state's goal for GT students is to ensure that those students who participate in GT services demonstrate skills in self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication. GT students develop innovative products and sophisticated performances that reflect individuality and creativity and are targeted to an audience outside the classroom.

Teacher Tool Box II
A set of resources for teachers of Advanced Placement, Honors, GT students.

Texas Education Agency Advanced Academics
Advanced Academics includes courses, programs, assessments, services and supports that provide opportunities for students to demonstrate college and career readiness and earn post-secondary credit.

National Association of Gifted Children

Texas Association of Gifted and Talented

Equity in Gifted/Talented Education

Byrdseed: Lessons to Get Kids' Brains Sweating

Castleberry ISD GT Program Logos

Approved GT logos are in Google Drive