Are GT students new to MISD automatically placed in ALPHA?
Because programs and opportunities for gifted and talented students vary so much, even within the state of Texas, all
new students must be reviewed and placed in ALPHA by the campus GT committee before enrollment in GT classes.
To be reviewed for placement, please give the school counsleor, administrator, GT teacher, or GT Specialist:
- A signed, completed Nomination form (available on this site) which gives permission for testing (if needed)
and
- A signed, completed Request for GT Records form with all the information necessary to secure your child's GT records
from the previous district.
This process typically takes 4-6 weeks. If the student is enrolled at the beginning of the school year or over the
summer, the process (4-6 weeks) will start at the beginning of the academic year.
When may I nominate a student?
Nominations are accepted at any time from the beginning of the school year through the middle of April. The specific
dates are posted on every campus. Nominations received after the April cutoff will be processed as soon as possible
at the beginning of the next academic year.
MISD does not offer assessment services for students registered outside of the McKinney school district.
Once placed in ALPHA, will my child continue in the program?
Yes. Once a child is placed in ALPHA, he or she will continue to participate in GT classes unless furloughed (request
for a semester or full year leave of absence) or exited from the program.
The state encourages each school district to help students determine their areas of giftedness. As students transition
from elementary to middle school and from middle to high school, we look closely at GT classroom products and performance,
assessments and teacher observations. These, in addition to a student's declared "favorite subjects", help us determine
which secondary classes may be most appropriate for each student.
Counselors in middle school and high school have access to the lists of incoming ALPHA students and their areas of strength.
They can assist you and your child with scheduling choices.
In middle school and high school, how do GT classes differ from preAP and AP classes?
The GT class uses a different curriculum from the corresponding preAP or AP class. They are designed for
the creative and academically gifted student. Several of the curricula were developed at the College of William and
Mary's Gifted Student Institute. Check the "suggested Reading and Websites" page for more information about these curricula.
All GT curricula are aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
Please see the Program Design page for all the class options available at each level.
