Education
Katy ISD sees record-high GT, advanced course participation
More Katy ISD students are enrolling in advanced academics, and Gifted and Talented programs, district officials said. Nearly 9% of KISD students participate in the district’s GT and advanced academics programs, and participation and success in programs such as advanced placement and dual credit are at record highs in the ongoing 2024-25 school year, Danielle Sanchez, director of GT/advanced academics, said at the April 22 board meeting. In a nutshell Using state-defined qualitative and quantitative metrics, all students are screened for GT services in kindergarten, Sanchez said. From first to 11th grade, a parent or teacher can request a student be screened once a year in the fall or early spring. In secondary school, screening is often aligned with course selection and planning for advanced academics, as identification may be subject specific, Sanchez said.
Sanchez said students identified for GT services in KISD receive tailored academic support through the following programs: • Elementary students are enrolled in the Challenge program, which offers project-based learning and career exploration weekly. • Secondary students are clustered in Katy Advanced Placement, pre-AP or AP classes with educators who have completed the required 30 hours of GT training and a campus GT facilitator who monitors academic progress and provides workshops. • All grade levels participate in academic competitions. Looking ahead Sanchez said parents have pointed out the elementary school GT program feels more differ- ent from the regular curriculum than it does at the middle and high school levels; however, she said
Katy ISD’s Gifted and Talented enrollment
10K
8,882
8K
6,722
6K
0
SOURCES: TEXAS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE REPORT, KATY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
programs can vary depending on who’s leading it at each school. Moving forward, Sanchez said district admin- istration will prioritize professional development for GT educators and continue to offer opportuni- ties for students to showcase their talents.
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