Opportunities for GT Students

 Independent Study
Independent study is an opportunity for GT students to study and learn about topics not covered in the general curriculum as well as participate academic competitions. There are three levels to independent study: local fair at campus, area fair with the feeder pattern schools and district fair. Within each level, there are components: research (topic of student interest), product development (creation of research-based product) and presentation (professional demonstration of idea and product).

• The GT Independent Study Process
• Parent/Student Agreement

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. 

For more information, visit:

• www.usad.org
• www.txacadec.org

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.

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:

• www.idodi.org
• www.texasdi.org
• www.fortworth.texasdi.org

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.

• Division I – Grades K & 1
• Division II – Grades 2 & 3
• Division III – Grades 4 & 5
• Division IV – Grades 6 & 7

For more information, visit mathpentath.org.

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.