TEXAS EDUCATION GUIDELINES FOR GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAMS

Professional educators continue to set goals reflecting the highest possible expectations for all children in the state. The philosophy of the State Board of Education relating to curriculum, as stated in Chapter 75.1 of the Texas Administrative Code, reads, “public elementary and secondary education is responsible for providing each student with the development of personal knowledge, skill, and competence to maximum capacity (The Agency, 1988R, 3).” Districts must develop their educational programs to ensure that appropriate curriculum and learning opportunities are in alignment with the needs, interests, and abilities of all students. The Texas Legislature continues to support the mandate that every district will have provisions for gifted students in kindergarten through grade 12. The quality of such programs is determined by the local district. The state guidelines, set forth in the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted and Talented Students, are designed to assist districts in developing, implementing, and maintaining effective services for gifted students. Adherence to the guidelines will promote excellence in the gifted program and provide students with the opportunity to reach their maximum potential. In turn, the total district will benefit. Huntsville ISD follows the Texas Education Agency guideline for the development of gifted and talented programs for school districts in the state of Texas.

Over 4,000 fourth and fifth graders from schools throughout the Brazos Valley, attend this annual event.  This is a private event held in cooperation with educational entities to bring students on a school day field trip to the concert. Through this outreach event, the orchestra seeks to instill a love of symphonic music in our young people. This project provides curriculum materials for teachers and students and culminates with the live concert performance.  The music for this concert is programmed just for children and often features a visual element, such as dancers or audio-visual presentations.

One student from each concert also has the opportunity to “guest conduct” the orchestra—children delight in getting selected for this participation and also in seeing one of their friends up at the podium. Afterward, art and essay contests offer students continued engagement with the event. In 2010, Texas Association of Symphony Orchestra recognized this program with an Award of Excellence in the Education category.