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Gifted and Talented Program Description

The Gifted & Talented Program for West Briar MS students (grades 6–8) is designed to serve students who demonstrate exceptionally high ability or potential compared to their peers. While details vary by district, most programs share common goals, structure, and features.

1. Purpose of the GT program

GT programs are built for students who:

  • Learn faster or think more deeply than typical grade-level expectations
  • Show strong abilities in areas like academics, creativity, or leadership

In places like Texas, a GT student is defined as someone who performs—or shows potential to perform—at a remarkably high level of accomplishment
compared to peers.  The main goal is to challenge these students appropriately so they stay engaged and continue growing.

2. Core features in grades 6–8

Advanced and accelerated academics

  • Students often take GT or honors-level classes in subjects like:
    • English/Language Arts
    • Math (sometimes accelerated into Algebra or beyond)
    • Science
    • Social Studies
  • These classes typically replace regular classes, not add extra ones.

Enriched curriculum

Instead of just moving faster, GT classes go deeper and more complex, including:

  • Critical thinking and problem-solving
  • Research projects and independent studies
  • Real-world problem solving and analysis

Students may explore topics more creatively and in greater depth than in standard classes.

Differentiated instruction

Teachers adjust lessons specifically for advanced learners by:

  • Providing more challenging assignments
  • Encouraging abstract thinking and open-ended questions
  • Allowing independent or group projects

This ensures students are not just doing “more work,” but different and more meaningful work.

Enrichment opportunities

Students may participate in:

  • Competitions (math, science, academic teams)
  • Clubs or academic challenges
  • Special projects, field trips, or themed studies

4. Identification and placement

Students usually enter GT through:

  • Teacher or parent nomination
  • Test scores and academic performance
  • Screening assessments (like cognitive or achievement tests)

Once identified, many districts allow students to remain in GT through middle school without requalifying.


Gifted & Talented Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Who can test?
A. Any student attending West Briar MS may test for G/T.  Students outside of the district can test at their zoned school.  (No student in HISD is zoned to Pin Oak MS.)

Q. If my child was previously identified by HISD, do they need to test again?
A. No. Any child identified by HISD as G/T retains identification unless they leave HISD or the parent requests the child to be removed from G/T. 
*Please note that students who were identified outside of HISD must be identified by HISD or submit previous testing to the campus for district approval.

Q. What steps do I need to take to have my child tested?
A. Submit a request using the link provided when testing opens.

Q. When is the deadline to apply to take the G/T Test?
A. The deadline to apply to take the Gifted and Talented identification test is TBD.

Q. When is the West Briar MS testing window for G/T Testing?
A. Testing is TBD.

For more information concerning the Gifted & Talented program please contact Mr. White.