The Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT) is an organization of educators and parents dedicated to meeting the unique needs of gifted and talented students. Chartered in 1978, TAGT is the nation’s largest state advocacy group of its kind, providing nearly 3,500 members and friends of gifted youth a forum for exchanging ideas and information about the education of gifted and talented students. TAGT recognizes the unique social, emotional, and intellectual needs of gifted and talented students and provides educational services to meet these needs.

Professional Development

Texas law requires teachers to receive 30 hours training in gifted education to be eligible to teach gifted students.  In addition, teachers must receive 6 hours training yearly in gifted education to maintain eligibility.  Although it is up to local school districts to decide what credit hours they will accept, many school districts look to TAGT as a mark of quality training and will accept hours that we recognize as meeting state standards.

TAGT offers a 45 clock-hour Teacher Awareness Certificate that promotes high-quality professional development.  For administrators, there is an 18 clock-hour Administrator Awareness Certificate available.  Credit hours for these certificates can be earned at all TAGT Conferences.

The most popular option for obtaining professional development credit hours is our annual three-day conference – TAGT’s premier professional development experience!  This exciting event offers over 300 intensive educational sessions, networking opportunities, and nationally known speakers on the subject of gifted education.  We also are continually developing new educational programs both as local seminars and online training.

Learn more about Professional Development

Advocacy

Gifted students are found in all populations and grade levels. As a result, Texas must develop the intellectual capacity and the intellectual potential of the next generation to ensure that the state has the opportunity to be a leader in a competitive market in technology, industry, and communications. The Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented strongly endorses equity and excellence in educational programming to meet this goal. 

TAGT monitors proposed legislative initiatives that impact gifted education at both the state and federal level. Through periodic legislative updates, members are kept informed about potential legislation and rulings that may be issued by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). We work closely with TEA to address trends in gifted curriculum and accountability for program and educator standards.

Learn more about Advocacy

TAGT Publications

• Tempo—Quarterly journal of articles and research of interest and benefit to parents and educators.
• TAGT e-Newsletter—Quarterly electronic publication of association and gifted education news and information.
• Insights—Annual Directory of TAGT scholarships, grants, and awards, and a listing of summer programs available for gifted students.
• Periodic newsletters for members of TAGT Divisions (Coordinators, Research and Dual-Language Multicultural).

Gifted Education Books

TAGT has sponsored books dealing with a wide range of topics in the field of gifted education.

• Raising Champions: A Parent Handbook for Nurturing Their Gifted Children, 1997
• Instructional Units for Gifted and Talented Learners, Grades K-6, 1997
• Lessons From the Middle:  High End Learning for Middle School Students, 1999
• Curriculum Starter Cards:  Developing Differentiated Lessons for Gifted Students, 2000
• Extending the Challenge in Mathematics, 2002
• Identifying Gifted Students: A Practical Guide, 2004

Scholarships, Grants, and Awards

TAGT has awarded over $800,000 to students, educators and parents since 1988. TAGT publishes Insights, an annual Directory of TAGT scholarships, grants, and awards, and a listing of summer programs available for gifted students. TAGT scholarships and grants provide:

• Up to $400 per gifted youth to help attend summer enrichment programs 
• Up to $400 for educators and parents to further their understanding of gifted education 
• Two $2,500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors
• Up to $1000 for innovative programs for gifted youth, parents, and educators

Scholarship FAQ (PDF)

Read Insights, the annual directory

Parent Resources

TAGT offers a wide range of information and opportunities for parents looking for resources to guide them in parenting their gifted child. We offer educational opportunities in several different formats including local seminars and online educational sessions.  TAGT members also have access to the members-only section of our website which features networking opportunities such as interactive forums and a TAGT Member Search, allowing you to share your questions and concerns with other members in your local area and beyond.  Another benefit is the Tempo quarterly journal which offers in-depth articles on current key issues in gifted education.

Learn more about parenting  GT children

Divisions

• Coordinators Division
• Dual-Language Multicultural Division

• Research Division

TAGT Legacy Book™ Awards

The national TAGT Legacy Book™ Awards Awards honor outstanding books published in the United States that have long-term potential for positively influencing the lives of gifted children and/or youth and contribute to the understanding, well-being, education, and success of students with gifts and/or talents.  Awards, based on target audiences, are presented in the following categories:  Educator, Parent/Family, and Scholar.

Learn more about the Legacy Book™ Awards