Rice ISD Gifted and Talented Program
Philosophy
The basic goals of the Rice Independent School District are:
to prepare our students to live in and adapt to an ever-changing complex future
to provide knowledge base on which to build lifelong learning
to nurture self-esteem
to instill in our students a sense of responsibility for their own actions, both as individuals and as a society
We recognize that some students possess exceptional abilities to create, to achieve, and to understand ideas beyond their years. Other students possess untapped potential for creativity, achievement, and understanding. Through the gifted and talented program, our goal is to guide students to sharpen their abilities and to motivate students to tap into their unrealized potential.
Mission Statement
Rice ISD is committed to providing a continually improving, quality education for all students in a positive, supportive, and safe environment that fosters student creativity and learning guided by experienced, well trained, and highly qualified professional educators. The district will reflect the expectations of the community by prompting open communications with students, parents, faculty, and other school district stakeholders, while emphasizing fiscal responsibility and providing meaningful opportunities for parent and community involvement. The Leadership Team of Rice ISD understands the importance of our professional development opportunities that accentuate the importance of the teaching and learning process. We seek to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to be successful today and in the future in a rapidly changing 21st century. To accomplish this vision the education and welfare of the whole child will be our highest priority.
Program Goals
The gifted/talented students will gain expanded insights into their own academic ability, potential for success, and the inherent responsibility their gifts apply.
The gifted/talented students will expand their problem-solving and decision making skills by utilizing higher level thinking skills both in and outside the classroom.
The gifted/talented students will become more independent and self-directed in their educational pursuits.
Student’s progress/performance in the programs for the gifted is periodically assessed and this information is communicated to parents or guardians.
Gifted & Talented Referral Process
Rice ISD advertises nomination timeframes on the website, posts dates on Facebook, and displays notifications on each campus. In addition, Rice ISD sends informational flyers home with students on the elementary and IMS campuses in both English and Spanish. Referrals can originate from teachers, parents, community members, or students themselves during the referral period. Students are nominated with a formal referral form available on the district website in both English and Spanish. Written parent or guardian permission is required to screen/assess a student. Following testing, parents are notified of results. There is a 10 day appeal period.
For more information contact:
Holly Upchurch
District GT Coordinator
Monnie Metcalfe
Executive Director of Student Services