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Crandall ISD

One Community. Every Student. Excellence for All.

Advanced Academics

Advanced Academics

 

Advanced Academics & Gifted & Talented
400 W. Lewis St.
Crandall, TX 75114

Phone: (972)427-6000 x60053

Coordinator of Advanced Academics:
Toni Gibbs
GT Teacher:
Stephanie Henderson
GT Teacher:
Debra Tanner
GT Teacher:
Jacob Wilson

Crandall ISD is committed to providing rigorous and enriching academic opportunities through our Advanced Academics and Gifted and Talented (GT) programs.

Advanced Academics includes a variety of challenging coursework such as Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Credit courses, which allow high school students to earn college credit while preparing for post-secondary success.

Crandall ISD also recognizes that gifted and talented learners require differentiated instruction to fully develop their exceptional abilities. Gifted learners are those whose talents, abilities, and potential for accomplishment are so advanced that they require a variety of special provisions to meet their educational needs.

CISD Gifted and Talented Goals
The goals of the Crandall ISD Gifted and Talented Program are to provide opportunities to:

  • Enhance student understanding of self and others

  • Develop student skills in creative thinking, critical thinking, and logical reasoning

  • Strengthen student ability to apply depth and complexity to core subject areas of study

  • Develop self-directed and life-long learning skills

  • Extend student skills in research and independent study

  • Broaden student skills in written, visual, and oral communication

  • Experience in-depth and accelerated/compacted knowledge and understanding of curriculum content

More Information

  • Advanced Placement (AP) Program – Crandall ISD
    Crandall ISD proudly offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses as part of our commitment to providing rigorous academic opportunities that prepare students for college and beyond. AP courses are college-level classes taught in high school, allowing students to challenge themselves academically while earning potential college credit through successful performance on AP Exams.

    Why Take AP Courses?

    • College Credit & Placement: Students who score successfully on AP Exams may earn college credit or skip introductory courses at many universities.

    • Academic Challenge: AP classes encourage critical thinking, in-depth analysis, and the development of strong writing and problem-solving skills.

    • College Admissions: Participation in AP courses demonstrates to colleges a student’s willingness to take on advanced academic challenges.

    • Preparation for Future Success: AP students are better prepared for the demands of college coursework and often perform better once enrolled.

    Support for AP Students
    Crandall ISD provides resources and support to help students succeed in AP courses, including access to experienced teachers, tutoring opportunities, and College Board exam preparation.

    AP Exams
    AP Exams are administered each May and provide students the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of the course material. Exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, and many colleges award credit for scores of 3 or higher.

    Learn More
    For more information about AP course offerings, exam schedules, or enrollment procedures, please contact the Crandall High School counseling office or visit the College Board website. 

  • Dual Credit Program – Crandall High School

    Campus Contact: Kathy Cox 
    Crandall High School partners with Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) to offer a robust Dual Credit program that allows eligible students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. This opportunity provides students with a head start on their post-secondary education while still in high school.

    What is Dual Credit?
    Dual Credit courses are college-level classes taken by high school students that count toward both high school graduation requirements and college credit. These courses are taught by qualified instructors and follow the curriculum standards set by Trinity Valley Community College.

    Benefits of Dual Credit

    • Save Time and Money: Earn college credits while in high school, reducing the time and cost needed to complete a college degree.

    • Experience College-Level Work: Build confidence and academic skills by engaging in rigorous coursework.

    • Smooth Transition to College: Get familiar with college expectations, terminology, and systems while maintaining the support of a high school environment.

    • Flexible Options: Courses may be offered on the Crandall High School campus, online, or at a TVCC location, depending on the class.

    Eligibility & Enrollment
    To participate in Dual Credit, students must meet eligibility requirements set by TVCC, including passing placement tests or demonstrating college readiness through STAAR, PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores. Students and parents must complete the application and registration process through both Crandall High School and TVCC.

    Support & Guidance
    Crandall High School counselors work closely with students and families to help guide course selection, manage schedules, and ensure that credits align with graduation plans and future college goals.

    Learn More
    To learn more about the Dual Credit program, including course offerings, eligibility, and enrollment deadlines, please contact the Crandall High School counseling office or visit the TVCC Dual Credit page.

  • Gifted and Talented program design:

    In grades 3rd-6th, gifted and talented students are clustered within the regular classroom. The trained classroom teacher will differentiate the instruction to provide rigorous and engaging learning opportunities. This differentiation will extend and enrich the existing grade-level curriculum.

    GT students in grades 3rd-6th will also receive pull out services provided by the assigned district gifted and talented teacher. Identified Gifted and Talented students will work with other GT students from their grade level on a curriculum that is interdisciplinary in nature and focuses on thinking and applying new knowledge and skills. Students will participate weekly at their home campus.

    Gifted and Talented - (K-2) Talent Pool program design:

    In grades K-2, gifted and talented students are clustered within the regular classroom. The trained classroom teacher will differentiate the instruction to provide rigorous and engaging learning opportunities. This differentiation will extend and enrich the existing grade-level curriculum. Students will graduate from talent pool at the end of 2nd grade and will be tested for placement into the full gifted program.

    Gifted and Talented Handbookimage of timeline of dates



    A comparison chart titled 'Bright Child vs. Gifted Learner' lists characteristics of each.

  • Resources, Articles, and Books

    Hoagie’s Gifted Education Page

    Hoagie’s Gifted Education Page, ‘the “all things gifted” page,’ contains many valuable books, articles, and many other amazing resources for parents of gifted children. You can also follow this page on Twitter at @HoagiesGifted or on find them on Facebook.

     

    Organizations

    Texas Association of Gifted and Talented (TAGT)

    Texas Gifted site

    TAG/T offers a parent affiliate membership that provides various resources to support parents.

     

    National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

    National Association for Gifted Children

    NAGC supports and develops policies and practices that encourage and respond to the diverse expressions of gifts and talents in children and youth from all cultures, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic groups.

     

    National Society for the Gifted and Talented (NSGT)

    National Society for Gifted Children

    NSGT’s mission is to advance the development of gifted, talented, and high potential youth, in the United States and abroad, through opportunities, advocacy, and exemplary programs and practices.

     

    Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)

    Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted

    SENG’s mission is about empowering families and communities in reaching goals. SENG focuses on the social and emotional needs of gifted individuals.