PACE Math
The PACE math program is offered to currently enrolled 5th grade students. It provides opportunities for students to challenge their thinking by delving deeper into concepts, enriching and extending their mathematical understanding, and accelerating designated math skills at the next higher grade. Students at all other grade levels of elementary are offered challenge for all math activities to ensure their instructional needs are met at the level where they are at.
PACE students may receive their PACE Math instruction from their classroom teacher addressing accelerated skills in small group or they may go to a PACE Math class where the teacher is the designated PACE Math teacher at that grade level. That could mean the student would not have his/her homeroom teacher for math instruction.
QUEST-G/T
Identified QUEST-G/T students in grades K-5 participate weekly in various interdisciplinary, project-based units of study under the direction and facilitation of the campus QUEST-G/T specialists. They also have access to support from the QUEST-G/T teachers through QUEST-G/T Lab, as available.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Leander ISD PYP website
Leander ISD has two elementary campuses – Grandview Hills Elementary and Mason Elementary – that are IB World Schools.
The mission of the IBO:
- To develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people.
- To create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
- To work with schools, governments, and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.
- To encourage students worldwide to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
The following three-minute video about the IB Learner Profile provides an idea of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program’s focus.
Exam for Acceleration
The Texas State Board of Education requires school districts to offer Examinations for Acceleration (EA) at every grade level and for every subject area offered in grades K-12. LISD offers Exams for Acceleration using tests from the University of Texas and Texas Tech University Distance Education Centers. Leander ISD uses these resources to ensure standardization and objectivity of the exams. Exam for Acceleration allows Leander ISD students who have mastered the content and skills of a particular grade level or course without direct instruction to advance to the next level so they will be more appropriately challenged. When given at designated times in the district, these exams are available at no cost to students needed to demonstrate content and skills knowledge prior to instruction. Parents/guardians should consult with campus counselors to ensure students have a need for acceleration. Contact the campus counselor assigned to your learner to learn more about these exams including registration and testing.
Other Enrichment Opportunities
Leander ISD offers enrichment opportunities for its students at all grade levels. These begin with and performing arts programs at the elementary levels. Leander ISD also provides increased academic challenge through fun, creative, campus-based events such as Spelling Bees, Science Share, Business Fair, and Destination Imagination after-school creative, problem-solving programs. Campuses choose which options they are able to support. Reach out to your campus to learn more about specific opportunities available and how to participate.