Courses offered in Middle School
Frisco ISD’s middle school GT ILA curriculum is a skills-based curriculum that challenges students to reach their academic potential. The objectives in each grade level are based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), but GT ILA often moves through the basic skills more quickly, compacting the information and moving beyond the basic requirements. GT ILA students study writing, reading, Greek and Latin stems, and grammar at a more in-depth level than Pre-AP and on-level classes. Lessons are designed with the gifted and talented learner in mind. The structure and rigor of the curriculum for each grade level ensure that FISD provides a guaranteed and viable curriculum across the district. When possible, GT teachers give the students choice on assessments and projects that allow the students to tap into their gifts/talents and passions for particular topics of interest. When applicable, special attention is given to the social and emotional needs of this special needs population. The middle school GT department utilizes a research-based, systematic approach to grammar and vocabulary instruction that is responsive to the academic needs of gifted students. This includes the study of Greek and Latin stems. Beginning in sixth grade and progressing through eighth grade, this approach:
- supports depth and complexity
- increases the development of analytical and creative writing skills
- increases reading comprehension
- helps students build a better command of syntax
- improves students’ use of language–both spoken and written; supports writing and vocabulary development across content areas
- aligns with the state curriculum
- prepares students for rigorous standardized assessments and future professional endeavors
Courses offered for gifted students in High School are:
- GT Humanities I
- Pre-AP English I
- GT Humanities II
- AP World History
These courses provide gifted students with opportunities not available through regular or advanced classes. The courses combine Pre-AP English I with AP World History in a two-year interdisciplinary spiral. The basic content is a historical study of the commonalities of the fine arts, including literature, the visual arts, architecture, and music. Students will learn and practice the craft of writing through various products, including AP style writing. Literature from a variety of world traditions will also be a key focus.
Beginning in 2016-17, ninth and tenth-grade students will sit in the same class while earning credit in separate courses; ninth graders will earn Pre-AP English I credit while tenth graders will earn AP World History credit. At the conclusion of GT Humanities II, students can sit for the AP World History exam to possibly earn college credit.
For 11th grade students in the 2019-2020 school year, FISD will offer GT American Studies (an interdisciplinary study combining AP Language & Composition and AP US History). Students interested in this course should be referred during the January 10 – 25 referral window.
MENTORSHIP (ISM) ISM is a challenging, weighted course for which 11th and 12th-grade students must apply, interview and be recommended during their junior and/or senior year. Gifted and high achieving students focus their study on a topic or career of their choice. While conducting this research, students must:
- Focus on original idea generation
- Design an original product
- Improve oral presentation skills
- Conduct intense research
- Write formal assessments of their findings
- Constantly reflect and self-evaluate
- Create a professional resume
- Set up and conduct interviews
- Learn about business etiquette
- Work independently
- Set and achieve goals
The course culminates on ISM Final Presentation Night in May during which students individually present their original product creation and what they learned from their ISM experience. The hope is that students gain a better understanding of which career path or major to pursue after graduation.