4th & 5th grade students go to the ALPHA classroom for instruction in reading and math for approximately half a day, four times a week.

 

These students meet with the ALPHA teacher for approximately 2 & 1/2 hours once a week for differentiated and extension activities.

 

1st & 2nd graders meet with the ALPHA teacher for differentiated and extension activities approximately 1 hour once a week.

 

Students identified in the spring semester will begin meeting with the ALPHA teacher in March.

 

 

 

Students may choose GT Language Arts, GT-Science or GT-Math or any combination of these three courses.  We encourage students and parents to ask the elementary GT teacher for insights into which course(s) may be most appropriate for your child.  The move from elementary to secondary school can be intimidating to many children.  We suggest selecting the course(s) in the area(s) that your child demonstrates the greatest strengths and where his/her interests lie.  Because of the rigor in these courses, it is not recommended that students be scheduled in all three.

 

 

In the spring semester of 6th grade, all interested ALPHA students are evaluated for continuation in the accelerated GT-Math courses in 7th and 8th grade. 

 

Students may choose GT-Language Arts, GT-Science and, if selected during the spring semester of 6th grade, GT-Math.  Students in GT-Math will complete Algebra 1 and Geometry by the end of 8th grade.  These are high school courses for which they will receive high school credit.  However, the grades they receive will not be included nor calculated in their high school Grade Point Average (GPA).

 

Students selecting GT-Science have the opportunity to participate in Science Fair.  Participation in Science Fair is strongly encouraged in 8th grade, but not mandatory.  7th grade students may elect to participate in Science Fair.  7th grade students will participate in the MISD Science Olympiad - an activity designed to stimulate and expand students' interests in all areas of science.

 

Students in GT-Language Arts will study literature from a historical perspective (Humanities).  An in-depth study of grammar and classical (Greek & Latin) root words are an integral part of this curriculum (Word Within the Word, M.C. Thompson). 

 

8th grade GT-LA students participate in Mock Trial, a trial simulation and competition that requires "on your feet" critical thinking skills.

 

 

 

GT-Language arts continues in 9th & 10th grade GT-Pre-AP English I & II, with a Humanities format and the continued study of classical root words.

 

GT-Math students continue on the accelerated path.  9th graders take Algebra 2.

Courses are available in AP Statistics, Pre-Cal, Calculus AB and Calculus BC for upper grade students.

 

Students identified in the areas of science and social studies will be clustered in classrooms with GT certified teachers.  Differentiation is provided within this setting.

 

AP-GT History is offered to ALPHA students in the 10th grade.  Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination at the end of the year.

 

In 11th and 12th grade, GT-AP Humanities courses are offered.  Students enrolled in the Humanities class will take both AP English and AP History and are expected to take both AP exams.

      The area of study in 11th grade is U.S. History and Literature.

      The area of study in 12th grade is European History and British Literature.

 

A total of 26 advanced Placement courses in the areas of Math, Science, History, Language Arts, Foreign Languages, Computer Technology, and Art are available for 11th and 12th graders.  Students enrolled in these courses are expected to take the Advanced Placement exams at the end of the academic year.

 

An Independent Study/Mentorship class is offered to 11th and 12th grade ALPHA students (10th grade with approval of the ALPHA teacher and Lead GT Specialist).  The class offers GT students an opportunity to explore fields of study outside the offered courses in the high school. 

       These projects are considered a part of the State GT Standards Project and have a professional rubric for performance in the areas of process,  communications, and project outcome.  These projects are also considered for the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP graduate).

 

9th grade ALPHA students interested in Leadership are invited to participate in a study of interpersonal and intrapersonal awareness.  This all-day retreat, offered in January, is a joint effort of the McKinney ISD ALPHA program and Austin College's Leadership Institute.