School Overview
Elementary School Overview
In the elementary grades, identified gifted students are clustered together with GT trained teachers in otherwise heterogeneous classrooms. The District GT Coordinator works closely with the grade level cluster teachers to meet the needs of each identified child. They determine the best learning plan for him/her including aligned TEKS-based lessons which explore content in depth and with complexity. Differentiated lessons occur in the regular classroom with the cluster teacher. Opportunities exist for students to engage in independent study options that allow them to go into great detail in their areas of interest and strength. Students may also compact and accelerate through the curriculum commensurate with their abilities. Specific services may vary based on campus and student needs.
Middle School Overview
In middle school, gifted students are provided differentiation and enrichment opportunities withing their regular classrooms. Students in these courses may also be given the opportunity to complete guided as well as independent research based on their needs and interests. Middle school G/T students are also provided with the opportunity to attend the spring G/T student conference at Region 20 as well as other enrichment field trips as available through the district G/T coordinator.
High School Overview
At the high school level, the structure of the classroom encourages students to be more involved in the direction of their learning, and to approach their studies as though they were professionals in the field. In addition, GT high school students may be interested in several programs including Advanced Placement, and Dual Credit/Enrollment. College credit may be received after participation in AP classes and successfully passing the appropriate AP exams or completion of a Dual Credit or Dual Enrollment course.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program, sponsored by the College Board, offers highly motivated and capable high school students an opportunity to take college-level courses at the local high school. Courses are offered in language arts, mathematics, social studies,
science, foreign languages, art, music, and computer science at Randolph High School. AP courses are open enrollment and participation is based on course prerequisites as indicated in the course catalog. In addition to all Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, a wider range and greater depth of content is taught, with an emphasis on higher level critical thinking skills as well as provisions for creative and productive thinking. The students are required to complete independent as well as guided research. Upon successful completion of the course, the student receives high school credit. Although not required, RFISD students enrolled in AP courses are expected to take the AP exam that accompanies the AP course in which the student is enrolled.
If the student takes the associated AP exam, advanced placement and/or college credit may be awarded upon college entrance. Colleges and universities have policies regarding how much credit and/or advanced placement will be received for a given score on an AP exam, including any courses from which the student will be exempted or any higher-level courses the student will be allowed to enter. Before taking AP exams, students should check college websites about specific advanced placement and credit policies.
Interested students should see his/her counselor or teacher.
Additional information is available at www.collegeboard.org.