It is the goal of Mansfield ISD to identify all students with exceptional ability or
the potential for exceptional ability. Professionals trained in gifted education will provide planned, consistent, equitable programs, so that each identified gifted and talented (GT) student is given the opportunity to reach his or her maximum potential.
All second grade students will be automatically screened within the first semester of school. Screening will be based upon input from teachers, parents and testing data. Those identified will be served by highly trained GT teachers.
Testing and identification of referred students in K, 1, 3-6 begins in the second semester testing window, with services for identified students to begin immediately upon receipt of the Acceptance of Service form from parents. Referrals accepted year-round.
Testing and identification of secondary (7-12) students will be conducted once per semester on a referral basis. Referrals accepted year-round.
According to MISD Board Policy EHBB (Local), criteria shall be specific to the state definition of gifted and talented and shall ensure the fair assessment of students with special needs, such as the culturally different, the economically disadvantaged, and students with disabilities.
Parents contact the campus GT Specialist for a GT Referral Form and return it to the specialist upon completion. The GT Specialist enrolls the student in the next testing window.
Parents receive a link to a home survey of observed GT behavior frequencies. Meanwhile, teachers complete a teacher SIGS survey of observed GT behavior frequencies at school.
Child takes online cognitive abilities tests at the school. The results are reported to the GT Specialist on campus.
The campus GT Review Committee reviews all data from the cognitive tests and surveys to determine if a learning need has been identified.
A ‘qualification’ or ‘did not qualify’ letter is sent home to parents explaining the results of the identification process. If identified, services begin immediately. Qualification may result in schedule change.
Academic Decathlon
The Academic Decathlon is a team competition wherein students match their intellects with students from other schools. Students are tested in 10 categories: art, economics, essay, interview, language and literature, mathematics, music, science, social science, and speech.
Each year, USAD chooses a theme and students across the country study the topic and prepare to compete. Individuals may earn awards at the regional tournament but only teams may advance to State and National finals. Mansfield ISD is an active part of region VIII.
Academic UIL
Students in grades 2-8 are able to participate in 20 or more academic contests, which are designed to motivate students as they acquire higher levels of knowledge, to challenge students to confront issues of importance and to provide them with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of specific skills. Please check with your campus to find out if you have a team.
The 2017-18 Grades 2-8 tournament will be held February 2-3, 2018. Visit www.uiltexas.org/academics for more information.
Chess Club
Chess Club is offered at several campuses to allow students the opportunity to hone their strategy skills while building interpersonal skills. Campus tournaments are often a part of the extracurricular activity.
Destination Imagination
Destination Imagination is an educational program where student teams, managed by parents, solve open-ended challenges and present their solutions at tournaments. In working to solve the Challenges, the teams learn important life skills like time management, collaboration, conflict resolution, and creative and critical thinking.
Mansfield ISD participates in the Greater Fort Worth region where teams can advance from the Region to State and Global Finals. Competition levels include:
Rising Stars: Kinder - 2nd;
Elementary: 3rd- 5th;
Middle: 6th- 8th;
Secondary: 9th- 12th
For more information, visit the following helpful websites:
Math Pentathlon
The Mathematics Pentathlon is a program of interactive problem-solving games, supportive curricular and instructional activities, and assessment tools for students in grades K-7 strengthening basic math concepts and skills while stimulating creative thinking .
By using specially designed games and activities that differentiate instruction, motivating all students of varying abilities and learning styles to enjoy math. Students learn five games at each level of the competition and may play the games in class or as a part of math club.
National Mathematics Pentathlon
Academic Tournaments are held throughout the region.
Whiz Quiz
Students in grades 5-8 learn to compete and succeed in the academic arenas through a Jeopardy- style competition. Please check with your campus to find out if you have a team.
Mansfield Independent School District
Mansfield Independent School District