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Curriculum
Curriculum is a plan that defines the work of the teachers with the
students. Connectivity of the content of a curriculum is arrived at
through curriculum documents such as, Texas Essential Knowledge and
Skills (TEKS), textbooks, curriculum guides, federal state and local
policies and computer programs.
The State of Texas uses a test, Texas Assessment of Knowledge
Skills (TAKS) to measure the extent to which a district is
successful in teaching the state designed minimum curriculum (TEKS).
The results of the testing program are made pubic. Students must
master the TEKS as measured by the TAKS test in order to receive a
high school diploma. The accreditation of the school district is
dependent in part on the results of the TAKS test. Since the
inception of this accountability system, Chandler has been awarded the Seal of Excellence.
Elder Campus, 4th
grade, and Kilgore High School (twice) have been recognized for
improvement and Chandler campus has been recognized for having 65
percent or more of all students and subgroups demonstrating mastery
of the skills measured by the TAKS. In addition, Kilgore High
School, Kilgore Intermediate School, and Chandler Elementary School
has attained recognized status as a part of the Academic Excellence
Indicator System in Texas. Gold Performance Commended rating; Kilgore High
School was acknowledged in Math, Maude Laird Middle School
on Writing and Kilgore Intermediate on Mathematics.
Kilgore ISD was acknowledged for Writing. Kilgore
Independent School District emphasizes the basic
curriculum with opportunities for remediation and
enrichment. A basic curriculum in the areas of math,
science, social studies, language arts, foreign language
and English as a Second Language is offered. Kilgore ISD
is committed to teaching the Texas Essential Knowledge and
Skills (TEKS) as required by the State of Texas.
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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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Title Federal Funds
Title monies received by the district fund staff development for all
teachers and provide additional funds for the purchase of library
books.
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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 approval is given by
the school counselor. Approximately 40-50 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.
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 and 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, and 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 of homogenous
classes in middle school and high school are responsible for TEKS
and TAKS objectives as well as enrichment. Every effort is made to
compact curriculum in order to provide more time for extension
activities.
Teachers and students are
supported by the Kilgore G/T District Advisory Council composted of
educators, parents and community leaders.
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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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