What is Gifted and Talented (G/T)?

According to the Texas Education Code, section 29.121, Gifted and Talented means a child who performs at or shows the potential for performing at a high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment and who:

• • Exhibits high performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area
  • Possesses an unusual capacity for leadership, OR
  • Excels in a specific academic field

How do I know if my child is Gifted and Talented?

All gifted children are not the same. It is important to note that there are not one or two characteristics that an educator can point to in order to say that a student is G/T. It is a combination of characteristics. Some signs that a student might be gifted include, but are not limited to:

• • Extraordinary memory compared to peers
  • Highly curious
  • Highly creative
  • Exhibits abstract reasoning and problem-solving skills
  • Draws inferences and grasps underlying principles
  • Initiates projects
  • Discusses things in detail, elaborates

What does “Vanguard” mean?

In HISD, the term “Vanguard” means the same thing as Gifted and Talented. Vanguard is used to refer to G/T programs, whereas Gifted and Talented refers to the student.

What is the Vanguard Neighborhood Program?

The Vanguard Neighborhood program is designed to meet the needs of G/T students at their neighborhood or zoned school.

How do you apply for the Vanguard Neighborhood Program?

Students in all grades can request testing for Vanguard services in their neighborhood (zoned) school.