Gifted & Talented Education in Texas
In 1977, the Texas Legislature passed its first legislation concerning the education of gifted and talented students. In 1979, state funds for providing services to gifted children were made available, but providing such services was optional for school districts. In 1987, the Texas Legislature mandated that all school districts identify and serve G/T students at all grade levels.
In 1990, The Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students was adopted by the Texas State Board of Education, which included a commitment to high-level learning opportunities for G/T learners expressed in the following goal:
Students who participate in services designed for gifted/talented students will demonstrate skills in self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication as evidenced by the development of innovative products and performances that reflect individuality and creativity and are advanced compared to students of similar age, experience, or environment. High School graduates who have participated in services for gifted/talented students will have produced products and performances of professional quality as part of their program services.