Gifted and talented (GT) program coordinators are tasked annually with keeping your school board and district leadership informed and engaged in GT. Among those responsibilities are two key requirements in the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students centered on your Board of Trustees:
- Training the Board on the district’s GT program, including its purpose, design, and alignment with state expectations. (Standard 5.10, Texas State Plan)
- Informing the Board of the results from your annual GT program evaluation. (Standard 1.5, Texas State Plan)
These requirements ensure that GT services are well understood and supported. This article shows that by empowering your school board as GT advocates, they can play a vital role in sustaining a strong, high-quality gifted program.
Understanding the Requirements
GT Board Training: Building Understanding and Commitment
This requirement helps your Board of Trustees understand what gifted education looks like in your district. This includes how students are identified, what services are provided, and how those services differ from general education offerings.
This presentation is your chance to share the “why” behind your program. You’re laying a foundation of awareness and trust that helps the board make informed decisions and recognize the unique needs of advanced learners.
Annual GT Program Evaluation Report: Demonstrating Growth and Impact
The second requirement focuses on transparency and accountability. Each year, coordinators conduct a GT program evaluation that often includes analyzing student data, professional learning outcomes, and program strengths and needs. Presenting these results to the board highlights both the program’s performance and the areas for growth.
Think of this report as your “progress story.” It’s a chance to celebrate successes and invite continued support for areas that need resources or attention.
Feeling Confident and Prepared for the School Board
For many coordinators, standing before the Board of Trustees can feel daunting. This group makes major district decisions based on presentations with time limits for each speaker. Here are a few practical tips to help you feel confident and prepared.
Tips for Success
- Keep it concise. Prioritize the most meaningful data and stories that reflect student impact. Aim for clarity over comprehensiveness.
- Lead with purpose. Frame your presentation around why GT education matters to your district’s mission and student success.
- Tell your story. Numbers are important, but personalizing your data with examples of student growth or teacher innovation can make your message resonate.
Advocacy Matters
An informed school board is one of your most powerful allies. Knowledgeable trustees can champion your GT program when they understand its purpose, outcomes, and needs. Especially during budget discussions or district planning sessions.
Gifted programs, often underfunded and underrecognized, play a crucial role in meeting the needs of advanced learners. By keeping your board well-informed and engaged, you’re not just fulfilling a state requirement—you’re building advocacy from the top down.
Your voice matters. As a GT coordinator, you are not only a program manager but also a program advocate. Let’s work together to make sure your school board understands and values the extraordinary potential of the students you serve.
Conclusion
Ultimately, keeping your Board of Trustees informed isn’t just about compliance—it’s about building understanding, trust, and advocacy for gifted education. By empowering your school board as GT advocates, they can play a vital role in sustaining a strong, high-quality gifted program.
By treating these requirements as opportunities rather than obligations, GT coordinators can help shift board engagement from passive awareness to active support—ensuring that gifted programming remains intentional, effective, and responsive year after year.
Our website provides more information about the services ESC Region 13 offers to districts, including workshops and events to expand your knowledge and keep training up to date. Subscribe to our mailing list and stay current on the latest news. You can read more about GT issues on the ESC Region 13 blog.
Amber Reinecke is the Cross-Curricular Systems Program Manager and Gifted and Talented (GT) Specialist at ESC Region 13. She has experience as an elementary classroom GT teacher, as well as six years of experience as a Gifted and Talented Pull-out Teacher and Instructional Coach. She has a passion for working with the gifted community in order to advocate for student needs.
Add comment