Elementary (K-5)

The Elementary Gifted and Talented program serves the needs of identified gifted and talented students in Frisco ISD. Gifted and talented students are served through a dual, differentiated instructional approach. Identified gifted and talented students in 1st – 5th grades are grouped together (clustered) in a regular education classroom with a teacher who has completed the following GT training as well as yearly training updates:

•  Nature and Needs of Gifted Learners

• Identification, Assessment and Service Design for Gifted Learners

•  Differentiated Instruction for Gifted Learners

•  Designing Curriculum for Gifted Learners

• Setting the Standards for Gifted Learners

Differentiated instruction including extensions and enrichment opportunities are provided for students to reach their academic potential. Gifted and Talented students are also pulled out of their classroom weekly to work together with the campus GT teacher. 

Frisco ISD’s elementary GT curriculum is a multidisciplinary, skills-based curriculum. A variety of experiences and topics of study are utilized to address learning objectives at each grade level. The objectives in each topic of study for each grade level are research-based thinking skills which cover a number of aptitudes in four broad areas: 

• Critical thinking

• Divergent thinking

• Inquiry/Independent Study

• Metacognition 

The progression of these objectives is grade-level appropriate and spans kindergarten through fifth grade. Multidisciplinary experiences progress at each grade level, this approach:

• utilizes depth and complexity elements

• embraces social-emotional learning

• implements challenged based learning

• encourages group and individual independent study

• supports Future-Ready components

• incorporates STEAM opportunities

• integrates coding opportunities 

• promotes literature through bibliotherapy activities

The structure and rigor of the curriculum for each grade level ensures that FISD provides a consistent GT pullout curriculum across the district. 

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

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 Advanced 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 ensures 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 instruction that is responsive to the academic needs of gifted students. Beginning in sixth grade and progressing through eighth grade, this approach:

• supports depth and complexity

• increases the development of analytical and creative writing skills

• helps students build a better command of syntax

• improves students’ use of language--both spoken and written

• supports writing development across content areas

• aligns with the state curriculum, and

• prepares students for rigorous standardized assessments and future professional endeavors

The middle school GT department utilizes a research-based, systematic approach to 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 reading comprehension

• helps students decode words

• improves students’ use of language

• supports vocabulary development across content areas

• aligns with the state curriculum, and

• prepares students for rigorous ACT and SAT assessments

High School (Grades 9-12)

GT Humanities

GT Humanities I was offered in Frisco ISD beginning in the 2015-2016 school year and began with 9th graders who are identified as gifted and talented. GT Humanities II started in the following school year, 2016-2017. Both of these courses are designated for students identified as gifted and talented.

GT Humanities I / English I Advanced and GT Humanities II / AP World History are courses that provide gifted students with opportunities not available through regular or advanced classes. The courses combine  English I Advanced 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 sit in the same class while earning credit in separate courses; ninth graders will earn English I Advanced 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. 

GT American Studies

GT American Studies combines AP Language and Composition with AP U.S. History through an interdisciplinary integration of curriculum which allows for deeper connections between the two AP courses. The course is a study of the development of United States through the integration of history, composition, literature, writing, art, architecture, philosophy, music, and theater. The course focuses on the philosophical foundation of American thought while exploring themes of progression, reconstruction, conflict, human rights, migration, perspective, and change. GT American Studies integrates two Advanced Placement courses; therefore, the class is double blocked over the A day/B day time block. Students will take the End of Course Exam for U.S. History. Students are also strongly encouraged to take the Advanced Placement exams for Language and Composition and U.S. History. This course is designated for students identified as gifted and talented.