Academics & Programs

 

Unique Programs

 

Gifted & Talented

 

Students identified as gifted in general intellectual ability according to criteria established by H-E-B ISD may participate in the following differentiated and enriched curriculum programs at the elementary level:

K-Grade 3: STEPS (Strategies and Techniques for Enriching Primary Students)
Based on the unique learning needs of gifted and talented students, students are cluster-grouped and taught by teachers who have training in gifted education.

Grades 4-5: PEAK (Pupils Excelling in Ability and Knowledge)
Nurtures the development and enhancement of the student's cognitive and creative abilities, focusing on abstract and logical conceptualization and problem-solving, research skills, computer and technology applications, and independent study in a peer-group setting.

Grade 6: Pre-AP/IB
Sixth grade gifted students are served through the Pre-AP/IB language arts and math classes as well as periodic pull-out days designed to provide experiences with gifted strategies in the sciences and technology.

Edge programs

 

Core Knowledge Pre-K: This full day tuition based program provides children with the "building blocks" that are part of the rich Core Knowledge curriculum. It is currently offered at Hurst Hills, Spring Garden,
and Meadow Creek elementary schools.(Not a Schools of Choice Program).

 

Core Knowledge K - 6: This rich curriculum is based in the humanities and has a liberal arts focus. It is offered at all elementary schools. (Does not qualify as SOC program, since the curriculum is offered at all elementary schools.)

 

Suzuki Strings: offered at Bellaire, Hurst Hills, Lakewood, Shady Brook, North Euless, South Euless, and Wilshire, in grades K - 6. Select kindergarten though third-grade students have the opportunity to play the violin using the internationally renowned Suzuki instructional approach. The program takes place both during school hours and after school. Parents are expected to provide instruments and accompany their child at least once a week to instructional sessions. All instruction and study materials will be provided by the school district. Qualifies as a Schools of Choice program.

 

 

Spanish Immersion is offered at Bedford Heights and Meadow Creek elementary schools. Students must begin the program in first grade. Students accepted into this program will be taught their core classes in Spanish, with the goal of achieving fluency by sixth grade. Applicants may be screened to assess their level of language acquisition readiness prior to acceptance into the program. The district will add an additional grade a year through high school. This program is primarily for students whose first language is English. Qualifies as a Schools of Choice program.

 

Special Education

 

H-E-B ISD has a comprehensive Special Education Department to meet the needs of every eligible student. Each program is distinctive and offers challenging paths that will prepare students to achieve their greatest growth potential. The type of program, service, and amount of time spent in general and/or special education is determined on an individual basis by an Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) committee. The district employs educational diagnosticians, school psychologists, special education curriculum consultants, speech therapists, and various related service personnel. District special education programs include the Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities for students ages three through six, Functional Curriculum, Mental Health/Behavior Intervention, Academic Remediation and Intervention, Transition Planning and Programming, Homebound Education and Speech Therapy. Students with visual and/or hearing impairments are provided services from birth to age 22.