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Curriculum
Curriculum is defined as the knowledge, skill, attitudes, and
processes to be written, taught, and tested at the appropriate
levels, areas or courses. The state of Texas has provided the
framework; the grade level Texas Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). In
combination with our state curriculum, Kilgore has incorporated
aspects important to our learning community, culture,
environment, and national standards.
We
believe that in order for all of our students to be successful
that they have to be exposed to the best materials, cutting edge
technology, and pedagogy possible. Therefore, the Kilgore
Independent School District will invest in meaningful and
targeted staff development that will constantly update our
professional staff of best practices, recruit and maintain high
quality staff, update technology to engage our students into the
21st Century way of thinking, and search to find new and
innovative ways of delivering curriculum and instruction to our
students. In this era of high-stakes testing and fast-paced
world, it is essential that every child has the opportunity to
be competitive not only locally but in the global society.
We have
six campuses in the Kilgore Independent School District. Kilgore
Heights Elementary School houses our Head Start,
Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten. Chandler Elementary School -
1st through 3rd grades, Kilgore Intermediate School - 4th and
5th, Maude Laird Middle School - 6th - 8th, and Kilgore High
School - grades 9-12. KHS offers Advance Placement, Pre-AP, dual
credit programs, and a full opportunity to meet the needs of
students of Kilgore. The Kilgore Independent School district has
received numerous awards ranging from TEA Recognized Campuses,
Performance Acknowledgements on various campuses, and the list
goes on. Kilgore ISD is committed to do Whatever It Takes to
educate our children.
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Technology
Kilgore Independent
School District recognizes both the importance and value of
technology in educating tomorrow's citizens. To that end, we have
networked all of our schools to bring the resources of the district,
the state, and the world to each student.
Pre-K and Kindergarten
Classroom computers and
computer laboratories are available for diagnostic testing,
enrichment activities, as well as remediation in reading, writing
and math. Internet access is also available.
Grades 1, 2 & 3
Comprehensive
computer-assisted instruction is offered to all students at this
level. Prescriptive portions of the program allow the student to
progress at their own pace. Further, emphasis is placed on creating
a solid foundation in technology literacy through the use of
classroom computers, networked labs, and Internet connections.
Grades 4 &5
Students at this level
have continued access to the prescriptive technology which allows
individualized instruction. Real-world computing skills, such as
keyboarding, word processing, and research, are stressed.
Middle School
Whether a multi-media
presentation in the classroom or doing research on the Internet,
middle school students have a technology-rich environment.
Networking between classrooms, the Computer Literacy Lab, and TAKS
Remediation Lab provide exciting opportunities. PLATO is an online
curriculum-based program which allows students to work at their own
pace.
High School
With seven networked
computer labs and a wide variety of computers throughout the school,
students are able to take advantage of a variety of programs. PLATO
is an online curriculum-based program which allows students to work
at their own pace. Writing labs and math labs are also available.
All library catalogs are operated on electronic databases.
Credit Recovery KHS has credit recovery center designed to identify as assist current and
potential "dropouts". Students accepted in this alternative program develop
additional academic, social and vocational skills needed to earn a high school
diploma. The students in the CRC use the A+ online assessment and curriculum
courseware.
Click here to see the Technology Department webpage's.
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Accelerated Instruction
Accelerated instruction is funded through federal (Title 1) and
state compensatory funds. Title 1 programs are designed to support the regular program. Title
teachers work with the regular teachers to design an individual
educational plan for each student. The objective of the program is
to accelerate a student's learning to the point that he or she is no
longer educationally at risk.
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Compensatory Funded Remedial Programs
Grades 1-8
Classes designed to
remediate basic skills in the areas of math and reading are
available at these levels.
Grades PK-12
English as a Second
Language (ESL) instruction is available for students with limited
English proficiency.
Grades 9-12
TAKS remediation classes are staffed through
compensatory funds.
Tutorials
Tutorial classes for
students in need of before and/or after school help are funded based
on campus need.
Summer School
A free accelerated summer
school is offered to students in elementary grades in need of
remediation. A TAKS remediation program is available for students
who have not passed the EXIT level TAKS test. High school regular
classes are offered as enrollment dictates. There is a tuition fee
for regular classes.
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Challenge Programs
Middle School
Algebra I is offered for
high school credit to eighth grade students who qualify. Pre-AP
classes are offered in language arts and science in all three grades
at the middle school.
High School
The Recommended Program
is required of all high school students, unless there is significant
reason for a parent to request the minimum graduation plan.
Approximately 60-70 percent of the students complete this
program. In addition, there is a Distinguished Achievement
Program. Advanced Placement (AP) classes are offered in English,
biology, calculus, chemistry, and history. Pre-AP classes are
also offered in English and science.
College Classes
Early admission classes
are available through a cooperative with Kilgore College for
students wishing to complete college courses before graduating from
high school.
Texas Academic Decathlon
Kilgore High School
students participate in the Texas Decathlon in grades 11 and 12.
Students in grades 9 and 10 participate in Octathlon.
SAT/ACT
Programs are available
for students who wish to prepare for taking the SAT and/or ACT
college entrance tests.
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Overview of Gifted and Talented Programs
Excellence in academics is a common goal for
educational programs in Kilgore Independent
School District. For gifted/talented
students, this is manifested through a
pull-out program in grades K-5 and
homogeneous classes in middle and high
schools.
Identification is based upon multiple and
specific criteria. Students who qualify in
Specific Subject Matter Aptitude are served
in the areas of language arts, mathematics,
social studies, and science.
At the middle school level, students may be
identified for one, two, three or all four
subject areas. Pre-AP is offered in language
arts, math, social studies an science. High
school gifted/talented students are served
through Pre-AP English I and II, AP English
III and IV, Pre-AP Biology, AP Biology, AP
Chemistry, AP Calculus, AP United States
History, and AP U.S. Government.
The pull-out program for grades K-5 is known
by the acronym, LEAP (Learners Expanding
Academic Potential). It is an enrichment
program whose focus is on higher level
thinking skills and research skills.
Students in grades 2-5 each have a full day
at the LEAP center during the week.
Kindergarten and first grade students are
scheduled into the Center for half or part
of a day each week. Two full-time teachers
staff the Center.
Teachers who provide instruction and
services that are a part of the program for
gifted students have a minimum of thirty(30)
clock hours of staff development that
includes nature and needs of gifted/talented
students, assessing student needs, and
curriculum and instruction for gifted
students. Teachers who provide instruction
and services that are a part of the program
for gifted students receive a minimum of six
hours annually of professional development
in gifted education.
Kilgore Independent School District
recognizes that gifted and talented students
are found in all cultures, socioeconomic
groups, graphic locales, and environments.
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Physical Education / Fine Arts
Developing a well rounded student is a philosophy demonstrated by
Kilgore Independent School District. An organized program of
physical education and general music is available for students in PK
through grade 5. At each campus, a certified music teacher and
certified physical education teacher are employed to instruct the
students. Beginning with grade level six, students continue to have
physical education instruction and/or athletic opportunities. Music
becomes more specialized at this level. Students may choose choir,
band, or orchestra; all award winning programs.
Art classes are available
as an elective beginning in grade level six. Two certified art
teachers are employed, one for middle school and one for high
school.
Drama and speech classes
are available at the high school level. UIL competition brings
honors to students involved in this program.
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Libraries
Libraries are located on each campus. These learning resource
centers are staffed with certified librarians at Maude Laird Middle
School, and Kilgore High School. Other campus libraries are staffed
with library aides under the supervision of one of the district
certified librarians. In addition to books, all libraries house
audio/visual materials and machines. Kilgore High School, Maude
Laird Middle School, Kilgore Intermediate, and Chandler Elementary
libraries have automated check out computer systems.
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Community and Parent Involvement
Texas Scholars - A program sponsored through the Chamber of
Commerce. Local businessmen make a presentation to eighth graders
encouraging them to enroll in a challenging high school course of
study (Recommended High School Program). Seniors who have
successfully completed the program are honored by the Chamber.
Junior Achievement - Community leaders work with students in
grade 2 and on the high school level to emphasize the importance of
free enterprise.
Campus Volunteer Programs are in place on each campus. In
addition, parents and community leaders are represented on the
Campus Improvement Teams as a part of the site-based decision making
process.
Booster Club parents are involved in the support of special
interest areas.
Vocational Agriculture Livestock Project Show is held each
spring. Students showcase their projects with a sale following.
Local citizens and businesses bid for the animals.
PTA - Each campus has an active parent/teacher organization.
The City Council PTA coordinates the many support activities of the
campus organizations.
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