Program Goals

Students will

• apply their general intellectual abilities through performance of complex mental tasks
• further develop their creative/productive thinking abilities through the generation of original products reflecting the use of higher level thought processes
• further develop their specific subject matter aptitudes through the utilization of advanced content and processes to produce original complex products
• seek original solutions to self-selected problems reflecting use of higher level thought processes
• become self-directed learners
• become more aware of and cope more successfully with their giftedness in relation to themselves and others.

Programs

Alternatives for Brighter Learner Experiences (ABLE) is our campus-based program serving students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Students identified for this program are placed with teachers trained in gifted education. Students receive instruction in all academic areas as well as instruction in the use of higher-order thinking skills.

Quest is designed as a pull-out program for gifted students in grades three through six. It serves students from all elementary campuses who have met specific criteria. Quest offers students a differentiated curriculum through interdisciplinary units. MISD provides transportation to a central location where students attend one day a week and receive instruction in critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Academically Talented (AT) classes offer identified middle school students instruction in disciplines of language arts, reading, and mathematics. The classes offer appropriately differentiated learning experiences and an advanced curriculum with an emphasis in the areas of English, mathematics, science, and social studies.

Renaissance classes are for high school students identified as gifted learners. The classes offer appropriately differentiated learning experiences and an advanced curriculum in the areas of English, mathematics, science, and social studies.

Other Opportunities

Mesquite ISD provides many other opportunities for further talent development.

Destination ImagiNation
Academic Decathlon
Science Fair
Young Writers Workshop
National Junior Honor Society
National Honor Society
Student Council
Duke Talent Search
Summer School Enrichment Programs
UIL Competitions
All City Boys/Girls Choirs
Fine Arts Festival
Elementary Orchestra Festival
Theatre Productions
Solo and Ensemble Contest
All Region Music Groups
All City Middle School Honors Music Groups
Honors District-Wide Art Exhibit
Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration Art Exhibit
State Youth Art Exhibit
PTA Cultural Arts Competition
Texas Register
Mentorship
Pre-Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement
Young Writers’ Craft
Peer Mediation
Mesquite News “Student Voices”
Community Service Opportunities
Young Writer’s Craft

Curriculum Processes

The curriculum for the academically gifted focuses on research/study skills, along with critical thinking and creative/productive thinking, while enhancing student leadership skills through group dynamics.

Research/Study

The student will

• select and define topic and/or research question
• identify an audience
• gather and organize information
• present a creative, original product.

Critical Thinking

The student will analyze, question, infer, reason, and evaluate.

Creative/Productive Thinking

The student will exhibit fluency, flexibility, originality, elaboration, complexity, curiosity, imagination, and risk taking.

Group Dynamics

The student will

• participate in cooperative group problem-solving
• participate in collaborative group presentations
• experience various roles in group activities
• model trustworthiness and acceptance of others.