FAQs about Advanced Academics

Yes, with the exception of 8th grade Algebra. Parents may sign a waiver to place a student who does not qualify into an advanced class. However, these students MUST realize that the material will not be watered down, and the pacing will not be slowed for students who are not able to keep up with the rest of the class after reasonable tutorial efforts by the teacher. They also must be informed that once a student begins an advanced class, he/she may not be able to transfer back into a regular class after a certain point because too much important content will have been missed; hence, the possibility of not receiving credit could be an issue. Principals may deny a waiver if there is no room in the advanced academics classroom for an additional student.

All students deserve to be challenged with higher-order processes and products. However, if all students should do an activity and all students can do the activity, then it is not differentiated for gifted learners. Gifted students must have differentiation in choice and pacing of content, more complex and abstract learning processes, and products that challenge them to transfer and expand their learning. Most identified gifted students are capable of performing two or more grade levels above their peers in many areas. They should have the opportunity to be consistently challenged at that level. Gifted students should be allowed to experience struggle in order to learn. Growth comes through struggle.

Click on "Advanced Academics Information" on this website, and you will find the GT Parent Handbook. If you have further questions about the program and how to apply, please contact Cheryl Harris at 817-399-2090.

No. All students who transfer from other districts must go through the HEB ISD GT referral, screening, and selection process. Counselors and teachers have up to six weeks to complete the process, except for kindergarten students, where the process always takes place from January until March.

Absolutely. Students who begin in seventh grade planning their schedule with International Baccalaureate in mind will have no trouble fitting in one and sometimes two major extra-curricular activities. IB students who wish to participate in multiple fine arts courses in high school will probably need to take advantage of zero hour, and summer school in order to complete all of their credits. IB encourages a variety of interests.

Both programs are weighted, college-level in nature, and may earn students college credit, depending on university policies.

Advanced Placement: Advanced, fast-paced, and more complex content; no application process but recommended criteria to qualify; students may choose from among a menu of advanced courses in grades 10-12; exams scored and recognized nationally; students expected to take AP exams; AP score comes from one end-of-course test.

International Baccalaureate: Most rigorous, comprehensive secondary program for 11th and 12th graders in the world; time management and self-motivation required; application process; students required to take exams in 6 specific areas of study; students become aware of world issues; much emphasis on independent, compassionate, critical thinking; independent research project; 150 service hours; exams scored and recognized internationally; required internal assessments involving creativity, writing, group projects; IB score comes from final exam plus various internal assessments; students may qualify for International Baccalaureate diploma as well as high school diploma. An IB Diploma recipient who has completed the diploma requirements and has earned scores of at least 4 receives 24 hours of credit at any state university in Texas.

Yes! HEB ISD accepts transfer students as early as 7th grade to enter the Pre-IB program. Transfer students must enroll in all advanced classes and make satisfactory progress in those classes. Applications for transfers may be picked up at the Central Administration office. There is no fee to transfer into the HEB district as a Pre-IB or IB student. For more information, please contact Cheryl Harris, 817-399-2090.

Go to the International Baccalaureate page on our website. Also, you may contact:

• District IB coordinator, Cheryl Harris at 817-399-2090 or CherylHarris@hebisd.edu.
• Campus IB Coordinator for L. D. Bell High School: Nancy Shane, 817-282-2551, ext. 7349 or NancyShane@hebisd.edu
• Campus IB Coordinator for Trinity High School: Bill Wells, 817-399-3668 or WilliamWells@hebisd.edu

The International Baccalaureate program was selected specifically to serve gifted students, although it is open to any student who wishes to apply. GT students may also choose advanced placement classes. Pre-AP/IB classes in 6-10 prepare all advanced students for either program. Identified GT students also receive gifted services through the AP/IB/GT English classes offered in grades 7-12 solely for identified GT students.