Gifted & Talented / Advanced Academics
Amy Alaniz
Director
Gifted and Talented/Advanced Academics
(956)473-5244
aalaniz@uisd.net
Department’s Mission
To provide a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate differentiated TEKS based curriculum for our gifted/talented K-12 population through appropriate staff development of our talented GT and Advanced Academics teachers. This program will provide student-centered learning experiences with greater depth and complexity by encouraging students to develop higher level thinking skills. By integrating the knowledge, influence, and perspectives of a wide array of academic disciplines, students will be inspired and motivated to new heights in learning. Teachers will develop partnerships with students, parents and the diverse community of professionals to ensure the success of this endeavor.
Program Overview
Kinder – Screening begins in September with services being rendered in March to identified students
Elementary – 5th grade GT students can receive services at their home campus and through GT project-based opportunities with identified GT teachers. 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders also have the option to attend a designated site (magnet setting) with the understanding that parents are responsible for transportation
Middle School – Middle school students are given the option of attending a designated magnet site or their home campus. Students will be grouped homogenously in the areas of Math and Language Arts, and heterogeneously grouped for the other areas. Middle school students are also offered Pre-AP Algebra I.
High School – High school students are served through Pre-AP and AP classes described below and the core curriculum.
Pre-Advanced Placement – The Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) courses are designed to introduce concepts and assessment methods to prepare students for success when they take Advanced Placement courses, strengthen the curriculum, and increase the academic challenge.
Advanced Placement – The Advanced Placement (AP) courses allow students to participate in college-level course work and possibly earn college-level credit while still in high school. Students are encouraged to take the exam for the AP course in which they are enrolled. A grade of 3, 4, or 5 is considered to be a passing score. The amount of college credit granted depends upon the individual college or university for which the student is applying.
Concurrent Enrollment – High school students in their junior/senior year meeting criteria (as set forth in district policy) may enroll concurrently at the local university or community college.
Distance Learning – High school students may participate in the Distance Learning Program for dual credit.
Magnet School Enrollment – High school students may opt to apply for one of the three district magnet schools.
- J.B. Alexander High School Magnet for Health and Science
- United South High School Academy of Global Business and Advanced Technology
- United High School Engineering and Technology Magnet
Early High School Graduation – High school students have the option of graduating under the early high school graduation program as outlined in school board policy.
Credit by Exam – All students in grades 1-12 have the opportunity to take credit by exam if they choose to do so. Students passing the exams according to the district specifications will be advanced to the following grade level.
| Name | Position | |
|---|---|---|
| Lisa M. Dunn-Flores | GT/AA Coordinator | lmdunn@uisd.net |
| Melva del Corral | GT/AA Clerk | mcorral@uisd.net |
| Maria B. Garza | GT/AA Clerk | mbgarza@uisd.net |
Additional ResourcesFor Teachers and Administrators:http://www.quoteland.com For Teachers and Parents:http://demo.renzullilearning.com For Secondary Students and Teachershttp://www.how-to-study.com/sat-preparation-tips.htm |
