Advanced Academics
HEB ISD Advanced AcademicsELEMENTARY
Emily BiggersSeptember 22, 2015
1Advanced AcademicsGrades 1 3 STEPSStrategies and Techniques for
Enriching Primary Students
Grades 4 5 PEAK Pupils Excelling in Ability and Knowledge
Grade 6 Pre-AP English Language Arts & Pre-AP Math
On every campusAdvanced Academics Specialist on each campus who
is trained in gifted and talented identification and
differentiation
A classroom teacher at each grade level (1 3) who is designated
as the STEPS teacher. STEPS teachers are trained in how to
differentiate for gifted students.
Ball, JanetHarrison LaneBarraclough, AngelaLakewood Biggers,
EmilySpring GardenBihm, GingerHurst HillsDodson, DAnnRiver
TrailsSpears, AmandaStonegateGarrett, DottyMeadow CreekSpears,
AmandaBedford Heights Harper, SusanBell Manor Villanueva,
MadisonWest HurstHowey,KarenDonna ParkLackey, ArenOakwood
TerraceJeantet, RachelMidway ParkLawson, RosemarieSouth
EulessMaloney, MelindaBedford HeightsTaylor, KristenBellairePiske,
DariceNorth EulessPiasecki, JacquelineWilshireEpps, TammieShady
BrookWaggoner, MelissaShady OaksBarrett, ErinViridian1st - 3rd
grade (STEPS) At least ONE of the following options is being
implemented on each campus:Pull outPush inExtension lessons Texas
State Performance Standards projects
Grades 1 3
4th 5th grade (PEAK)PEAK students are served one period per day
by the Advanced Academics Specialist.Compacted Reading Skills Novel
Studies & Self-Selected Reading Greek & Latin Vocabulary
RootsGifted & Talented Themes Core Content AreasElements of
Depth & Complexity TechnologyProject Based LearningResearch
ProjectsSocial & Emotional Issues of Giftedness Individual
Student Portfolios (electronic portfolios)
High Level, Award-Winning Novels
Kaplans Elements of Depth & Complexity
Brain Based Learning movementmusicMultiple Intelligences
PEAK
Pupils Excelling in Knowledge & Ability
Texas Performance Standards Projects (Independent Research)&
Novel Projects (Literature Connections)
Projects
Student-MadeBoard Games
Projects/Presentations
Electronic Products movies, videos, powerpoints, etc.
6th grade (Pre-AP)Pre-AP ELAVocabulary -- Greek and Latin Roots
Core Knowledge Reading SelectionsLiterary ClassicsIndependent
Research ProjectTechnology ApplicationPre-AP MathTopics covered in
an PreAP program are similar to those found in a normal math
sequence. What differs isthe level of sophistication of responses
requiredthe global connections beyond what is found in the
traditional textbookthe acceleration and rigor of
contentintegration of content across math strands
What can I do to help my gifted/advanced child?Encourage
thinking and risk-taking! Be a problem solver!Train them in
organization/responsibility.Be sure your child is reading daily.
The public library is a great resource! Recognize that your child
may not be gifted in every area and that is okay. Nurture his/her
gifts as well as areas where he/she may need some help. Celebrate
perfect effort rather than perfection.Provide experiences!
(museums, theater, zoo, aquarium, festivals, symphony, exposure to
languages, etc.) Join HEB AGT and TAGT. Learn about giftedness!
Attend meetings, conferences, and events that promote interaction
between parents and educators of gifted learners. 16HEB ISD -
Opportunities to extend learning (vary by campus) Geography Bee
Spelling BeeWhiz Quiz (6th grade) Reading Counts program2x2 books
(younger students)Bluebonnet booksMath competitionsWriting
contestsLeadership opportunitiesCamp Invention (summer younger
students)Rising Stars Camp (summer older students) Robot
Palooza
Challenge is a good thing! If your child is being appropriately
challenged, he or she will probably struggle. It is often through
struggle that real learning takes place.
Websites for Parents www.txgifted.org www.hoagiesgifted.org Your
campus Advanced Academics Specialists website
