About GEAR

Who we are

What does GEAR do?

Gifted Education Alliance of Richardson (GEAR) exists to serve and support Richardson Independent School District’s gifted students, families and educators. 

GEAR began as the Richardson Gifted parent support group. We evolved into a nonprofit membership organization that works closely with our district to meet the complex and varied needs of gifted and talented students, families and educators. We are committed to equity, diversity, a and equal access to gifted testing and services, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or learning model chosen.

GEAR serves and supports our membership and stakeholders through local and state advocacy, community programming, grants and scholarship, and access to a network of people who *get* the wonders, joys and challenges of being, raising and educating gifted learners. We strive to maintain a supportive and welcoming community that helps members connect with opportunities, resources and each other.

Please consider joining us. Learn about GEAR membership.

What does GEAR do? Recent examples of GEAR support for RISD GT services and families include:

• Grants to teachers to help them serve gifted learners in RISD classrooms
• Grants of scholarships for RISD educators to attend GT professional development conferences
• Virtual and live enrichment programming, including game nights that allow students and families to meet and socialize 
• Representation on multiple RISD Advanced Learning Programs and Services (ALPS) advisory subcommittees, as well as the district's Racial Equity Committee
• Advanced Learning Teacher Appreciation for Secondary Educators
• Advocacy for GT services locally and across Texas
• Facilitation of support and networking via GEAR Community's private member Facebook group
• Collaboration with the Special and Gifted Education (SAGE) Committee of the RISD Council of PTAs to support equity in virtual learning for students with SAGE needs (disability, gifted, or social and emotional wellness, including mental health).
• Co-sponsorship of RISD parent education speakers and RISD GT Parent Symposium 

Gifted Education Resources - Local and State 

​Richardson ISD Advanced Learning Programs and Services

SAGE (Special and Gifted Education) - Richardson ISD Council of PTAs

​Texas Education Agency - Gifted and Talented Education

Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development - Baylor University

Office for Giftedness, Talent Development, and Creativity - University of North Texas

Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented 

Texas SAGE and Exceptional Students Coalition

G/T Opportunities - UT High School
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GEAR is an Affiliate Parent Support Group Member of TAGT (Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented)

​Other Local GT Support Groups - Texas