EEISD still stands the test of Texas State Plan for G/T. I wonder if the G/T flyer issued to parents is in the home language? The 30 hour training is met by the majority of the selection committee and the testing for G/T placement is decided by parent need.The different methods of assessment are encouraging and give authentic data.
FFISD is still the worst for many reasons, not the least of which is only administrators making placement decisions. G/T assessment should be ongoing and include additional data from parents & teachers.
I suppose that ACCORDING TO THE STATE PLAN AND NOT MY PERSONAL OPINION, if I have to change my marks the district that complies and often falls in the "recommended" portion is FFISD. They comply with the formal testing, the hours of training for the selection committee goes beyond the 6 for minimal compliance. They also try to make the parents aware of the possibility, and of course, their GT provisions are written in board policy. Unfortunately, AAISD would have to be disqualified for the lack of formal testing.
After taking another look at the districts plans for the G?T programs, my opinions have not changed. The best district is EEISD, again, I base this rational on the fact that there is a committee made up of school board members, administrators, and teachers of gifted and on level students. Also, there are different methods of assessing the student’s skills from formal testing to portfolios and surveys. In addition the child can be identified on any grade level. The worst district is the BBISD with or without chocolates.
In the post from last week,I choose as the best district AAISD, however with the new guidelines I am changing the ratings. AAISD does not have formal testing, it does not mention the 30 hours training, etc. According to the new guidelines, and in order to be in compliance, the best district is FFISD: this district uses formal testing, the district examines GT policies about every tree years, and it has committee that takes the 30 hours training. The worst district for me, is still EEISD, I do not see structure on their GT program, or any of the guidelines.
Very interesting! My favorite from last week, AAISD, is not in compliance. The committee to evaluate placement does not consist of at least 3 educators with some training. So, under these guidelines I must change my vote to BBISD. BBISD is in compliance and received 2 Exemplary grades for testing children at any time/any grade and having the selection committee trained with the 30 hr GT training. It also received a Recommended because it tests all Kindergartners. FFISD is still my least favorite. It is not in compliance because it does not provide written policies to parents.
AAISD is no longer my best choice. After reviewing the state plan, I realized that they are not in compliance of having a committee of people who have received proper training in order to make decisions on the students being tested and placed. BBISD, on the other hand, has a committee that meets this requirement. BBISD is in compliance with the state plan. This district also provides the opportunity to K-12. I previously said that FFISD was the worst out of the four, but now I see that they are in compliance with having a committee that is trained as well as allowing the opportunity to all students and making parents aware of this.
My choice from last week, AAISD, is not in compliance in a few areas. It would have to be disqualified for a couple of reasons: One, the committee that evaluates placement does not consist of at least 3 educators with some training and it does not provide formal testing. I would probably choose EEISD, which I thought was the worst last week, as my first choice. They seem to be in compliance in most areas. This was a difficult assignment to me because it was hard to really choose a "best or worst district". There was some vital information missing from all of the districts to really make a "good assessment". However, I chose FFISD as the worst district because they don't test until 2nd grade and they only have a committee of administrators who quickly get together to evaluate and place the students into the program.
It is true that FFISD seems to be the one "in compliance" across the state plan. However, being a perfect square may not always be the best choice in the end, especially if we are talking precisely about that portion of the student population that does not alawys fit in the mold. Being in compliance might only mean that: having the minimum paperwork and evidence necessary to keep the status of the district in the eyes of the State. I'd still have to learn some more about AAISD -my last week's choice- and find out how a district that "takes very seriously their GT program" is taking steps -or not- towards compliance with the state plan. It is not really mentioned and I find it difficult that such an apparently extensive and complete program could grow apart from what the state contemplates as the minimum necessary -even if they tried-
Last week I also mentioned how EEISD went from last to second best option to me. I wish I could learn more about their plan, because it also fails to give some necessary information.
As a parent, and if I had a GT child, I would still prefer the option that better fits my child's needs and provide support. Are they able to offer a program that will serve the specific needs of my child?. I still fail to see how just by being "formally tested" and referred to the program -based on a number, and only if the student qualifies in an area served by that district- can be the best choice for every single GT child. Looking at the state plan does give me more tools to analyze the districts, but at the same time, I still can't fall in love for the two districts that do seem to be "in compliance".
Bad news! My favorite district was AAISD and is not in compliance. I really liked this district but after reviewing the districts at class and discussing about them I realize that AAISD does not meet the 30 training hours for GT´s, besides that they do not have formal testing. Now that I am studying some districts I can´t imagine how difficult can be to pick the right district for your own kids. They are so many things to look for! I guess is a matter of picking the district that best suits your kid needs. So after reconsidering the other options I would say I change my top one for BBISD because they offer what AAISD is lacking off. My least choice would remain the same It just still doesn´t convience me.
After reviewing one more time my last options and the other two options I left out I must say that AAISD is no longer my favorite one. While reading what the district offers I didn´t realize then that they were missing some important stuff that make them not to be in compliance. Comparing to other districts AAISD has not formal testing for example, another issue that made me change my mind was that the committee people does not meet the proper training. My new favorite one will be FFISD they are in compliance and their committee takes the 30 hour training. My least favorite would be this time AAISD because they do not test.
I thought EEISD was the worst last week, but after looking at what the STATE wants. I have changed my opinion. I believe EEISD to be in compliance. Their selection committe is made up of school board members, administorators, and teachers. They also have more than one way to assess the students'. I choose FFISD and the worst because the committee is only made up of district administrators.
After reviewing the State plan, I have changed from AAISD having the high grade to FFISD. My worst is now the best. FFISD meets several state plan criteria with over 3 areas that are exemplary. The issue of transfers and appeals was not mentioned by any of the districts for compliance. AAISD did have several exemplary areas but did not mention 30 hours of training for a selection committee due to the parent, child, and teacher making the placement decision. Even though they had surveys and portfolios for other data collection, they still needed to have assessments to validate the areas they are servicing. EEISD does not give details or specifics about grade level test or GT training for their selection committee. Parent meetings need to be held to address any questions after the flyer has been handed out. EEISD is the most non compliant district.
I stand behind my best school district. EEISD is by far the best because they have formal assessments, inform parents, have a diversified selection committee, have multiple methods of assessment, and are open to having any child tested for GT. And although a high percentage of the parents opt to have their child tested, I believe the process allows fairness and that not everyone is accepted into the GT program. However, what they are lacking is the multicultural piece that AAISD acquires or at least it's not mentioned.
As for the worst, I think that FFISD is in compliance, but the dynamics support the needs in the community, which is survival due to economical disadvantages, rather than GT. Therefore, I believe BBISD is the worst on the grading scale for me. They only test using the COGAT and Stanford tests and surveys from parents and teachers. What I am most concerned about is the fact the selection committee members didn't want to look at nominations after their 30hr GT training unless they were compensated. The point of GT programs is that they are utilized in a way that is student centered. This district gets the low grade from me.
My vote for AAISD as the best district has changed because it is not fully compliant to the Texas GT State Plan. However, I feel that EEISD is the best because it off multiple forms of formal assessments, the keep the parents informed, their selection is committee is diverse including administrators, teachers, and school board members, and have the 30 hour required trainings. I also believe BISD to come in second because of some of the same aforementioned reasons.
My first place still goes to BBISD despite the budget cuts, they still score an A with me by being recognized or exceeding in all areas that are mentioned. They do not mention transfer processes or what percent of population is identified but they do allow nominations anytime while testing all kinder students. While their committee is not compensated well, it is highly trained and is exempllary in determining giftedness.
AAISD, former grade of D, does not meet compliance because they do not formally test their students. Now grade F
EEISD, former grade of C, are in compliance so should probably remain with a pass fair C but are not Recommended or exemplary in any area.
FFISD , former grade of F, are in compliance and even exemplary in board examination and GT training. Should probably be grade B instead.
I have not changed my vote for the best: FFISD is still the best, although I think BBISD is a close second. However, after looking at the state plan, I believe that EEISD is more in compliance than AAISD. AAISD has no quantitative testing, nor are enough educators included on their placement committee.
Well, it seems as though AAISD was a bit too good to be true! This district was not in compliance. I guess after Tuesday's class and seeing how the GT programs must be in compliance with the states plan...I am going to change my decision to FFISD. This district seemed to be the most realistic when you measure it against the states plan and I agree with Adriana Ruiz's comment!
Like the saying goes, “It’s too good to be true.” That’s what happened with AAISD. It sounded like the perfect school district for GT students, but after reading the state plan, it is not even in compliance with the minimum state requirements. One of the minimum requirements is to have a trained committee to evaluate the students’ placement. AAISD does not have it. What I liked the most last week was that it did not have formal testing. Now that I know what the state requires I must change my vote. I now have to say that AAISD is my least favorite. I voted FFISD for the worst district, but after reading the state plan I can see that it does follow the minimum state requirements. Also is the most realistic school district out of all four.
After reviewing the Texas State Plan during and after class my original choice of best district has changed from AAISD to FFISD. Although I still like the way the district nominates its gt students, based on the Texas State Plan I would now say that FFISD is the district that is in compliance more so than the others. Their board approves policies every three years, they have formal testing, and the administrators complete their 30 hours of GT training. AAISD, which I chose as the best district initially, does no formal testing and did not mention that their teachers (who along with the parents decide on placement) do not have 30 hours of gt training.
To truly grade the districts, we would have to analyze all the parts of their GT plan according to the Texas State Plan. The options that are presented in the summary may not be complete, for example, have the people in EEISD’s “selection committee” been trained? I would assume that is the case, but if they haven’t, that would mean they are not in compliance. We know that if AAISD does not use formal testing, they are not in compliance either.
EEISD seems to be more diverse in its definition of gifted because BBISD and FFISD both test only using the Stanford/COGAT. BBISD mentions that parents can nominate their children at any time and EEISD says that all parents are given information when they register, but it doesn’t say if they are tested only once a year. Both BBISD and FFISD mention the 30 hour training in GT.
After looking at the districts in compliance, as a parent I would choose EEISD if I thought my child was gifted in a non-academic area. Overall, though, I would not choose it because it does not test all students. Some parents would not nominate their children because they might think their children are not GT even if they receive the flyer and maybe already “know GT procedures”.
BBISD and FFISD both have GT programs serving the core content areas. They both have committee member with 30 hours training (with or without chocolates). They both use Stanford, CogAT, and surveys in their identification. BBISD tests in Kindergarten, though, which helps in early identification. I definitely would need more detailed information to give an accurate grade on these districts.
I am supporting my original evaluation of the four districts. From the information provided, it is unclear if the selection committees for AAISD and EEISD have had any sort of GT training. Therefore, although these districts offer GT testing that is definitely in compliance with the Texas State Plan, I am doubtful as to the competency of their selection committees due to the lack of formal training. BBISD continues to receive my highest mark as most of their procedures appear to fall under the recommended category of the Texas State Plan. And they are being as fisically responsible as possible during a tough economic time.
I think that FFISD should try and review the state plan. So that they can try and help the district with there at risk polulation. Maybe the state plan cn help them review there students at least every year or two years, insted of waitng to do it every three years. Valeria Vick
AAISD would likely be rated as exemplary in areas that they serve, including leadership and creativity, as well as the frequency at which they assess, anytime. It also implies that multiple sources/provisions can be used to assess and determine whether gifted services should be provided. That said, there is nothing specifically indicating that they communicate in diversified manners required by the state to reach their multicultural district, or that access to services is representative of their population.
EEISD does not state anything decisive about communicate methods other than a flier during registration, so it is not clear if communication is provided to reach diverse populations or if the communication occurs each year (implies only once). Although multiple sources/provisions are used to identify children, it does not say anything about the diversity of services offered, whether it is just core content or extends across all areas. The information on testing children at one grade level is not clear and implies that money should not be wasted on testing with any regularity, which appears to not meet the requirements of 1.3. Also not specifically addressed s the access/representation of the services in relationship to the population which it serves.
I still think that BBISD has the best selection process because it evaluates all students with an unbiased, unsubjective test rather than depending on more subjective criteria. Those factors are still taken into account by the review committee and nomination to the program is ongoing and not limited to the initial testing in kindergarten. I had named FFISD as the worst due to the low percentage of identified students and the dependance on an achievement test, but AAISD is far worse due to the lack of objective testing.
Last week, I chose AAISD as the best district. AAISD looked really good on paper but they were not in compliance with the state plan. Therefore, this week I selected FFISD as the one which is most compliant. The administration for FFISD reviews the board policy every three years, parents are made aware of the opportunity to test and the committee has the required 30 hours of GT training. The worst one would probably be AAISD because it seems like they just have a sit down with the teacher and parent to decide on placement and there is no formal testing.
After reviewing the Texas State Plan in class last week, I am still in favor of EEISD as the best district and FFISD as the worst district. This is based on the fact that there is a diverse committee that assesses gifted students. There are no words to explain FFISD.
My original choice was the BBISD and it is still my choice. Although parents can nominate childrfen at any time (which places the district in th exemplary column of 1.3) children are tested in kindergarten in the core content areas. This in in the recommended section of 1.5.2.
Regarding 1.71, the district is exemplary in that the selections committee is formed of those who had the 30 hour GT training.
The District is also exemplary in regards to 1.72 in that they consider input by surveying teachers and parents in addition to the formal testing.
I still believe that EEISD is the best district! I did change my opinion about the worst, however. I feel that AAISD is not in complianc with testing requirements. Therefore, I can not agree with any of their actions because they are not following the state plan.
I still believe that EEISD has the best plan. My first reaction was that BBISD and AAISD were the worst districts. Initially, I felt that BBISD was the worst; however, after reviewing the state plan, I feel that AAISD is the worst district. BBISD does have the wrong motivation; however, they at least go the extra mile by providing the 30 hours of GT Training to screening committee members.
Originally I thought that AAISD was the best district because of how involved and inclusive their GT plan was...however after learning about the true compliance requirements of the state they are clearly not as fantastic as they seem! They fall into a lower position due to the fact that they do not do "formal" testing and that it doesn't say anything about required training. They may quite be the worst district. I am torn between the worst district, because of lack of information. BBISD does well with their required GT training, even though their focus on money seems to be overshadowing their good intent. They do test all students and accept nominations at any time. FFISD looks alright, but do not test until second grade and their committee is made up of district administrators (although properly trained...) EEISD does not state whether or not they provide GT training to their committee members, but they do (clearly) welcome the open nomination as well as provide formal testing for assessment.
I still believe EEISD is the best district. They are in compliance with the state plan, and provide multiple forms of asssessment.AAISD would have to be disqualified since they don't provide any formal testing.
I understand the goals of compliance. BBISD sets to the rules and follows them well. FFISD still is shady on how often they evaluate, but other than that complies, AAISD, my favorite, is non-compliant. I have this need to be an innovative deviant. I might be a non-conformist but I feel like they're meeting genuine goals. Maybe that's just the way the handout was worded on purpose and it's not the best. But with the style and the attitude it was written with, I think it would be really easy to get AAISD on the right page, but I feel FFISD and BBISD is ritualistic, it's as if they don't have the right goals in mind.
Perhaps I should judge based on the identification more since it is up to the teachers to design curriculum. But since I have no clue as to the curriculum, I feel like AAISD still has less distance to go to be the best AND to be in in compliance in the near future whereas a few others are fighting against the understanding of their own mindset and atmosphere to be a better district. Though a hard fight a necessary one.
After reviewing the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted and Talented Students last week, I changed my selection from AAISD to FFISD as the best district. FFISD is in compliance with most of the requirements of the state for the GT program. Their board policies are examined every three years. The administration set up meetings with parents to discuss the opportunity of their children to be tested. They provide formal testing and various surveys to see if the children fit in the program. A committee of district administrators with the required 30 hr. GT training make the placement decisions as they arise. My next best district would be BBISD for the same reasons.
I still believe that EEISD is my top choice. They test all children ans assess in all areas. Parent's are made aware of the process and encouraged to get involved. BBISD was may lowest but now AAISD is because they don't do any formal testing.
I believe FFISD is the best after reviewing the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted Students, because they do what is required of them even though parents do not really participate in nominating their children. They do test all their students, and their is a committee that meets to discuss the selection of students. The committee is also required to attend the 30 hour GT training and update it every year. Plus FFISD, updates their policies every three years as required.
I believe I have to change :( I really liked AAISD because they involved both parents AND kids. So, AAISD will now be my lowest because they don't have the necessary tests or follow the Texas State Plan. I think that FFISD would be the best because it closely follows our state plan.
I think all of the districts had some great things to add in one way or another. AAISD to me offered more to the students, parents, and teachers. It did things that were above just meeting the standard and there population of students were more diverse. However, I do feel that there should be a "formal test" like FFISD. FFISD had good data and if it was applied correctly could drive instruction for those that are being serviced.
From class on Oct.12, 2010. I did the game Go Fisg with my class. I read a story to them then they got into groups of four. They really did like the game, and so did I. Therefore, fron time to time I will be playing the game with different reading selections. Valeria. Vick
Yes, I decided to change my opinion about the districts. After classroom discussion, I realized that district AAISD had given too much power to the teachers. I thought it would benefit the teacher and the parent so that they could have a relationship and keep the parent informed about teaching gifted and talented students. I changed my grade to a “B” for AAISD. I gave EEISD an “A” This district considers the students and their different learning styles. They keep the parents informed and they test the students in various ways. My new grading scale EEISD-A AAISD-B FFISD-C BBISD-D
EEISD still stands the test of Texas State Plan for G/T. I wonder if the G/T flyer issued to parents is in the home language? The 30 hour training is met by the majority of the selection committee and the testing for G/T placement is decided by parent need.The different methods of assessment are encouraging and give authentic data.
ReplyDeleteFFISD is still the worst for many reasons, not the least of which is only administrators making placement decisions. G/T assessment should be ongoing and include additional data from parents & teachers.
I suppose that ACCORDING TO THE STATE PLAN AND NOT MY PERSONAL OPINION, if I have to change my marks the district that complies and often falls in the "recommended" portion is FFISD. They comply with the formal testing, the hours of training for the selection committee goes beyond the 6 for minimal compliance. They also try to make the parents aware of the possibility, and of course, their GT provisions are written in board policy.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, AAISD would have to be disqualified for the lack of formal testing.
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ReplyDeleteAfter taking another look at the districts plans for the G?T programs, my opinions have not changed. The best district is EEISD, again, I base this rational on the fact that there is a committee made up of school board members, administrators, and teachers of gifted and on level students. Also, there are different methods of assessing the student’s skills from formal testing to portfolios and surveys. In addition the child can be identified on any grade level.
ReplyDeleteThe worst district is the BBISD with or without chocolates.
In the post from last week,I choose as the best district AAISD, however with the new guidelines I am changing the ratings. AAISD does not have formal testing, it does not mention the 30 hours training, etc.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the new guidelines, and in order to be in compliance, the best district is FFISD: this district uses formal testing, the district examines GT policies about every tree years, and it has committee that takes the 30 hours training.
The worst district for me, is still EEISD, I do not see structure on their GT program, or any of the guidelines.
Very interesting! My favorite from last week, AAISD, is not in compliance. The committee to evaluate placement does not consist of at least 3 educators with some training. So, under these guidelines I must change my vote to BBISD.
ReplyDeleteBBISD is in compliance and received 2 Exemplary grades for testing children at any time/any grade and having the selection committee trained with the 30 hr GT training. It also received a Recommended because it tests all Kindergartners.
FFISD is still my least favorite. It is not in compliance because it does not provide written policies to parents.
AAISD is no longer my best choice. After reviewing the state plan, I realized that they are not in compliance of having a committee of people who have received proper training in order to make decisions on the students being tested and placed. BBISD, on the other hand, has a committee that meets this requirement. BBISD is in compliance with the state plan. This district also provides the opportunity to K-12. I previously said that FFISD was the worst out of the four, but now I see that they are in compliance with having a committee that is trained as well as allowing the opportunity to all students and making parents aware of this.
ReplyDeleteMy choice from last week, AAISD, is not in compliance in a few areas. It would have to be disqualified for a couple of reasons: One, the committee that evaluates placement does not consist of at least 3 educators with some training and it does not provide formal testing. I would probably choose EEISD, which I thought was the worst last week, as my first choice. They seem to be in compliance in most areas.
ReplyDeleteThis was a difficult assignment to me because it was hard to really choose a "best or worst district". There was some vital information missing from all of the districts to really make a "good assessment".
However, I chose FFISD as the worst district because they don't test until 2nd grade and they only have a committee of administrators who quickly get together to evaluate and place the students into the program.
It is true that FFISD seems to be the one "in compliance" across the state plan. However, being a perfect square may not always be the best choice in the end, especially if we are talking precisely about that portion of the student population that does not alawys fit in the mold. Being in compliance might only mean that: having the minimum paperwork and evidence necessary to keep the status of the district in the eyes of the State. I'd still have to learn some more about AAISD -my last week's choice- and find out how a district that "takes very seriously their GT program" is taking steps -or not- towards compliance with the state plan. It is not really mentioned and I find it difficult that such an apparently extensive and complete program could grow apart from what the state contemplates as the minimum necessary -even if they tried-
ReplyDeleteLast week I also mentioned how EEISD went from last to second best option to me. I wish I could learn more about their plan, because it also fails to give some necessary information.
As a parent, and if I had a GT child, I would still prefer the option that better fits my child's needs and provide support. Are they able to offer a program that will serve the specific needs of my child?. I still fail to see how just by being "formally tested" and referred to the program -based on a number, and only if the student qualifies in an area served by that district- can be the best choice for every single GT child. Looking at the state plan does give me more tools to analyze the districts, but at the same time, I still can't fall in love for the two districts that do seem to be "in compliance".
Bad news! My favorite district was AAISD and is not in compliance. I really liked this district but after reviewing the districts at class and discussing about them I realize that AAISD does not meet the 30 training hours for GT´s, besides that they do not have formal testing. Now that I am studying some districts I can´t imagine how difficult can be to pick the right district for your own kids. They are so many things to look for! I guess is a matter of picking the district that best suits your kid needs. So after reconsidering the other options I would say I change my top one for BBISD because they offer what AAISD is lacking off.
ReplyDeleteMy least choice would remain the same It just still doesn´t convience me.
After reviewing one more time my last options and the other two options I left out I must say that AAISD is no longer my favorite one. While reading what the district offers I didn´t realize then that they were missing some important stuff that make them not to be in compliance. Comparing to other districts AAISD has not formal testing for example, another issue that made me change my mind was that the committee people does not meet the proper training. My new favorite one will be FFISD they are in compliance and their committee takes the 30 hour training. My least favorite would be this time AAISD because they do not test.
ReplyDeleteI thought EEISD was the worst last week, but after looking at what the STATE wants. I have changed my opinion. I believe EEISD to be in compliance. Their selection committe is made up of school board members, administorators, and teachers. They also have more than one way to assess the students'. I choose FFISD and the worst because the committee is only made up of district administrators.
ReplyDeleteAfter reviewing the State plan, I have changed from AAISD having the high grade to FFISD. My worst is now the best. FFISD meets several state plan criteria with over 3 areas that are exemplary. The issue of transfers and appeals was not mentioned by any of the districts for compliance. AAISD did have several exemplary areas but did not mention 30 hours of training for a selection committee due to the parent, child, and teacher making the placement decision. Even though they had surveys and portfolios for other data collection, they still needed to have assessments to validate the areas they are servicing. EEISD does not give details or specifics about grade level test or GT training for their selection committee. Parent meetings need to be held to address any questions after the flyer has been handed out. EEISD is the most non compliant district.
ReplyDeleteI stand behind my best school district. EEISD is by far the best because they have formal assessments, inform parents, have a diversified selection committee, have multiple methods of assessment, and are open to having any child tested for GT. And although a high percentage of the parents opt to have their child tested, I believe the process allows fairness and that not everyone is accepted into the GT program. However, what they are lacking is the multicultural piece that AAISD acquires or at least it's not mentioned.
ReplyDeleteAs for the worst, I think that FFISD is in compliance, but the dynamics support the needs in the community, which is survival due to economical disadvantages, rather than GT. Therefore, I believe BBISD is the worst on the grading scale for me. They only test using the COGAT and Stanford tests and surveys from parents and teachers. What I am most concerned about is the fact the selection committee members didn't want to look at nominations after their 30hr GT training unless they were compensated. The point of GT programs is that they are utilized in a way that is student centered. This district gets the low grade from me.
My vote for AAISD as the best district has changed because it is not fully compliant to the Texas GT State Plan. However, I feel that EEISD is the best because it off multiple forms of formal assessments, the keep the parents informed, their selection is committee is diverse including administrators, teachers, and school board members, and have the 30 hour required trainings. I also believe BISD to come in second because of some of the same aforementioned reasons.
ReplyDeleteMy first place still goes to BBISD despite the budget cuts, they still score an A with me by being recognized or exceeding in all areas that are mentioned. They do not mention transfer processes or what percent of population is identified but they do allow nominations anytime while testing all kinder students. While their committee is not compensated well, it is highly trained and is exempllary in determining giftedness.
ReplyDeleteAAISD, former grade of D, does not meet compliance because they do not formally test their students. Now grade F
EEISD, former grade of C, are in compliance so should probably remain with a pass fair C but are not Recommended or exemplary in any area.
FFISD , former grade of F, are in compliance and even exemplary in board examination and GT training. Should probably be grade B instead.
My best remains BBISD and worst is now EEISD.
I have not changed my vote for the best: FFISD is still the best, although I think BBISD is a close second. However, after looking at the state plan, I believe that EEISD is more in compliance than AAISD. AAISD has no quantitative testing, nor are enough educators included on their placement committee.
ReplyDeleteWell, it seems as though AAISD was a bit too good to be true! This district was not in compliance. I guess after Tuesday's class and seeing how the GT programs must be in compliance with the states plan...I am going to change my decision to FFISD. This district seemed to be the most realistic when you measure it against the states plan and I agree with Adriana Ruiz's comment!
ReplyDeleteLike the saying goes, “It’s too good to be true.” That’s what happened with AAISD. It sounded like the perfect school district for GT students, but after reading the state plan, it is not even in compliance with the minimum state requirements. One of the minimum requirements is to have a trained committee to evaluate the students’ placement. AAISD does not have it. What I liked the most last week was that it did not have formal testing. Now that I know what the state requires I must change my vote. I now have to say that AAISD is my least favorite. I voted FFISD for the worst district, but after reading the state plan I can see that it does follow the minimum state requirements. Also is the most realistic school district out of all four.
ReplyDeleteAfter reviewing the Texas State Plan during and after class my original choice of best district has changed from AAISD to FFISD. Although I still like the way the district nominates its gt students, based on the Texas State Plan I would now say that FFISD is the district that is in compliance more so than the others. Their board approves policies every three years, they have formal testing, and the administrators complete their 30 hours of GT training. AAISD, which I chose as the best district initially, does no formal testing and did not mention that their teachers (who along with the parents decide on placement) do not have 30 hours of gt training.
ReplyDeleteTo truly grade the districts, we would have to analyze all the parts of their GT plan according to the Texas State Plan. The options that are presented in the summary may not be complete, for example, have the people in EEISD’s “selection committee” been trained? I would assume that is the case, but if they haven’t, that would mean they are not in compliance. We know that if AAISD does not use formal testing, they are not in compliance either.
ReplyDeleteEEISD seems to be more diverse in its definition of gifted because BBISD and FFISD both test only using the Stanford/COGAT.
BBISD mentions that parents can nominate their children at any time and EEISD says that all parents are given information when they register, but it doesn’t say if they are tested only once a year.
Both BBISD and FFISD mention the 30 hour training in GT.
After looking at the districts in compliance, as a parent I would choose EEISD if I thought my child was gifted in a non-academic area. Overall, though, I would not choose it because it does not test all students. Some parents would not nominate their children because they might think their children are not GT even if they receive the flyer and maybe already “know GT procedures”.
BBISD and FFISD both have GT programs serving the core content areas. They both have committee member with 30 hours training (with or without chocolates). They both use Stanford, CogAT, and surveys in their identification. BBISD tests in Kindergarten, though, which helps in early identification. I definitely would need more detailed information to give an accurate grade on these districts.
I am supporting my original evaluation of the four districts. From the information provided, it is unclear if the selection committees for AAISD and EEISD have had any sort of GT training. Therefore, although these districts offer GT testing that is definitely in compliance with the Texas State Plan, I am doubtful as to the competency of their selection committees due to the lack of formal training. BBISD continues to receive my highest mark as most of their procedures appear to fall under the recommended category of the Texas State Plan. And they are being as fisically responsible as possible during a tough economic time.
ReplyDeleteI think that FFISD should try and review the state plan. So that they can try and help the district with there at risk polulation. Maybe the state plan cn help them review there students at least every year or two years, insted of waitng to do it every three years. Valeria Vick
ReplyDeleteAAISD would likely be rated as exemplary in areas that they serve, including leadership and creativity, as well as the frequency at which they assess, anytime. It also implies that multiple sources/provisions can be used to assess and determine whether gifted services should be provided. That said, there is nothing specifically indicating that they communicate in diversified manners required by the state to reach their multicultural district, or that access to services is representative of their population.
ReplyDeleteEEISD does not state anything decisive about communicate methods other than a flier during registration, so it is not clear if communication is provided to reach diverse populations or if the communication occurs each year (implies only once). Although multiple sources/provisions are used to identify children, it does not say anything about the diversity of services offered, whether it is just core content or extends across all areas. The information on testing children at one grade level is not clear and implies that money should not be wasted on testing with any regularity, which appears to not meet the requirements of 1.3. Also not specifically addressed s the access/representation of the services in relationship to the population which it serves.
I still think that BBISD has the best selection process because it evaluates all students with an unbiased, unsubjective test rather than depending on more subjective criteria. Those factors are still taken into account by the review committee and nomination to the program is ongoing and not limited to the initial testing in kindergarten. I had named FFISD as the worst due to the low percentage of identified students and the dependance on an achievement test, but AAISD is far worse due to the lack of objective testing.
ReplyDeleteAfter looking at everything, I still feel that EEISD has the best GT program and BBISD has the worst.
ReplyDeleteLast week, I chose AAISD as the best district. AAISD looked really good on paper but they were not in compliance with the state plan. Therefore, this week I selected FFISD as the one which is most compliant. The administration for FFISD reviews the board policy every three years, parents are made aware of the opportunity to test and the committee has the required 30 hours of GT training. The worst one would probably be AAISD because it seems like they just have a sit down with the teacher and parent to decide on placement and there is no formal testing.
ReplyDeleteAfter reviewing the Texas State Plan in class last week, I am still in favor of EEISD as the best district and FFISD as the worst district. This is based on the fact that there is a diverse committee that assesses gifted students. There are no words to explain FFISD.
ReplyDeleteMy original choice was the BBISD and it is still my choice. Although parents can nominate childrfen at any time (which places the district in th exemplary column of 1.3) children are tested in kindergarten in the core content areas. This in in the recommended section of 1.5.2.
ReplyDeleteRegarding 1.71, the district is exemplary in that the selections committee is formed of those who had the 30 hour GT training.
The District is also exemplary in regards to 1.72 in that they consider input by surveying teachers and parents in addition to the formal testing.
I still believe that EEISD is the best district! I did change my opinion about the worst, however. I feel that AAISD is not in complianc with testing requirements. Therefore, I can not agree with any of their actions because they are not following the state plan.
ReplyDeleteI still believe that EEISD has the best plan. My first reaction was that BBISD and AAISD were the worst districts. Initially, I felt that BBISD was the worst; however, after reviewing the state plan, I feel that AAISD is the worst district. BBISD does have the wrong motivation; however, they at least go the extra mile by providing the 30 hours of GT Training to screening committee members.
ReplyDeleteOriginally I thought that AAISD was the best district because of how involved and inclusive their GT plan was...however after learning about the true compliance requirements of the state they are clearly not as fantastic as they seem! They fall into a lower position due to the fact that they do not do "formal" testing and that it doesn't say anything about required training. They may quite be the worst district. I am torn between the worst district, because of lack of information. BBISD does well with their required GT training, even though their focus on money seems to be overshadowing their good intent. They do test all students and accept nominations at any time. FFISD looks alright, but do not test until second grade and their committee is made up of district administrators (although properly trained...) EEISD does not state whether or not they provide GT training to their committee members, but they do (clearly) welcome the open nomination as well as provide formal testing for assessment.
ReplyDeleteI still believe EEISD is the best district. They are in compliance with the state plan, and provide multiple forms of asssessment.AAISD would have to be disqualified since they don't provide any formal testing.
ReplyDeleteI understand the goals of compliance. BBISD sets to the rules and follows them well. FFISD still is shady on how often they evaluate, but other than that complies, AAISD, my favorite, is non-compliant. I have this need to be an innovative deviant. I might be a non-conformist but I feel like they're meeting genuine goals. Maybe that's just the way the handout was worded on purpose and it's not the best. But with the style and the attitude it was written with, I think it would be really easy to get AAISD on the right page, but I feel FFISD and BBISD is ritualistic, it's as if they don't have the right goals in mind.
ReplyDeletePerhaps I should judge based on the identification more since it is up to the teachers to design curriculum. But since I have no clue as to the curriculum, I feel like AAISD still has less distance to go to be the best AND to be in in compliance in the near future whereas a few others are fighting against the understanding of their own mindset and atmosphere to be a better district. Though a hard fight a necessary one.
After reviewing the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted and Talented Students last week, I changed my selection from AAISD to FFISD as the best district. FFISD is in compliance with most of the requirements of the state for the GT program. Their board policies are examined every three years. The administration set up meetings with parents to discuss the opportunity of their children to be tested. They provide formal testing and various surveys to see if the children fit in the program. A committee of district administrators with the required 30 hr. GT training make the placement decisions as they arise. My next best district would be BBISD for the same reasons.
ReplyDeleteI still believe that EEISD is my top choice. They test all children ans assess in all areas. Parent's are made aware of the process and encouraged to get involved. BBISD was may lowest but now AAISD is because they don't do any formal testing.
ReplyDeleteI believe FFISD is the best after reviewing the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted Students, because they do what is required of them even though parents do not really participate in nominating their children. They do test all their students, and their is a committee that meets to discuss the selection of students. The committee is also required to attend the 30 hour GT training and update it every year. Plus FFISD, updates their policies every three years as required.
ReplyDeleteSorry Crystal :-|
ReplyDeleteI believe I have to change :( I really liked AAISD because they involved both parents AND kids. So, AAISD will now be my lowest because they don't have the necessary tests or follow the Texas State Plan. I think that FFISD would be the best because it closely follows our state plan.
I think all of the districts had some great things to add in one way or another. AAISD to me offered more to the students, parents, and teachers. It did things that were above just meeting the standard and there population of students were more diverse. However, I do feel that there should be a "formal test" like FFISD. FFISD had good data and if it was applied correctly could drive instruction for those that are being serviced.
ReplyDeleteFrom class on Oct.12, 2010. I did the game Go Fisg with my class. I read a story to them then they got into groups of four. They really did like the game, and so did I. Therefore, fron time to time I will be playing the game with different reading selections. Valeria. Vick
ReplyDeleteYes, I decided to change my opinion about the districts. After classroom discussion, I realized that district AAISD had given too much power to the teachers. I thought it would benefit the teacher and the parent so that they could have a relationship and keep the parent informed about teaching gifted and talented students. I changed my grade to a “B” for AAISD. I gave EEISD an “A” This district considers the students and their different learning styles. They keep the parents informed and they test the students in various ways. My new grading scale
ReplyDeleteEEISD-A
AAISD-B
FFISD-C
BBISD-D