Elementary Gifted Services

Elementary students who qualify for gifted services are provided services in multiple ways. First, Richardson ISD will utilize the Total School Cluster Grouping model. This model groups GT-identified students (Core+) together with a teacher who has completed the 30 hours of GT Foundations training. Clustering and teacher support means students will have their instructional needs addressed during all subjects each day. Second, the classroom teacher will be able to utilize grouping strategies that reduce the range of abilities and achievement levels which results in appropriate instructional levels and pacing. Finally, through increased collaboration, the classroom teachers provide extensions and enhancements to the learning in the four core areas of instruction.

In addition to the above support, we offer GT Pullout services for K-6 for students who need that level of instructional support. Students who qualify for GT Pullout will spend two hours a week with the campus Advanced Learning Teacher exploring concepts in critical and creative thinking culminating in an independent study research project.

Some students learn at a faster pace than others and a small number of them require acceleration that cannot be adequately provided in a general education setting. In some cases, they need a year or more of acceleration in all four core areas of instruction (reading, math, science, and social studies). We will group students in grades 3-6 who have this need at the Math, Science, Technology Elementary School for advanced acceleration. Students will progress through the curriculum at a faster but personalized pace than their current grade peers completing up to 8th grade content by the end of 6th grade. In secondary, students would have the option of graduating early or pursuing deep research along with internships. More information will be provided to families of the students who qualify for Responsive Acceleration Pathways (RAP).