Director of Advanced Academics and Post Secondary Outcomes
Email Dr. Brandi Brotherton
Gifted & Talented Services
The goal of gifted services in Alief ISD is to meet the diverse needs of gifted learners by providing differentiated instruction and opportunities for students to elaborate, think originally, think flexibly, and produce new ideas as they become self-directed learners who are competent in thinking, research, and communications. Services provided to staff, students, and parents through Alief's Gifted & Talented services are designed to support the goals of this program and the district focus on instruction and learning.
Did you know Gifted & Talented (GT) Services are available to all students in the district from Kindergarten to 12th Grade?
Gifted and Talented Services by Grade Level
Kindergarten -4th Grade: Pull out, Push-in, Full-time Inclusion
5th & 6th Grade: Intermediate AIMS Program
7th -12th Grade: Alief Advanced Academic Courses (AAC) and Advanced Placement courses
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Advanced Academics is to affirm that gifted and talented education in Alief is a high priority and is supported by the goals of the District Improvement Plan (DIP)
The process for the full implementation of Alief's Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students includes the following:
Implement
Consistent implementation of nomination, screening, and identification procedures that fairly represent all populations;
Collaborate
Collaboration with content coordinators in the four core academic areas to create curriculum documents that provide a balance between depth, complexity, and pacing as an additional layer to the required TEKS based instruction;
Support
Support for campuses in fulfilling their responsibilities as outlined in the district guide and in the Click here for the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted and Talented Students
Understand
The understanding that the regular curriculum will not fully meet the unique needs of gifted students and that a differentiated curriculum is necessary to meet the needs of these students.
How do Gifted & Talented (GT) Services Support Your Student(s)?
Challenge students through unique learning experiences
Provide opportunities for students to show what they have learned through end of the year showcases
Use curriculum compacting methods for acceleration and mastery
Meet social emotional needs of the Gifted & Talented (GT) learner.
How do we prepare our teachers?
All teachers are required to attend an initial 30-hour professional training in gifted and talented (GT) education to support students in the classroom in addition to gifted and talented services outside of the classroom.
Teachers are also required to complete an additional 6 hours of training each year to add to their skill set.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Brandi Brotherton
Jossie Graterol
Advanced Academics Testing Specialist
Email Jossie Graterol
Angela Polk
Advanced Academics Specialist
Email Angela Polk
Natali Navarrete
Secretary
Email Natali Navarrete
GT Resources
The Timely Information for Parents (TIP) Sheets are for parents and caregivers of gifted children to download, read, and share as their children's needs change.
A webpage for parents dedicated to understanding and meeting the needs of gifted children from the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented
A resource guide for the education of gifted children with links to many gifted education resources available on the Internet.
The website of this non-profit organization of parents, teachers, educators, community leaders and other professionals who unite to address the unique needs of all children and youth with demonstrated gifts and talents.
The website of the state organization that both teachers and parents of gifted students may join. Many valuable resources.
Gifted and Talented information and materials for all things GT in Texas.
This site has extensive resources for highly gifted students (and their parents).
Education in Action's experiential learning programs empower young Texans to be informed and active leaders in their communities. Check out the Lone Star Leadership Academy Program.
This easy-to-use site features information on identifying traits and developing abilities, as well as an “Ask an Expert” feature so you can ask questions important to you!