Sandra Villarreal,
Advanced Academic Services Gifted and Talented Director
s.villarreal@lajoyaisd.net
Phone: 956-323-2198
Belinda Ochoa,
Advanced Academic Services Secretary
b.ochoa2@lajoyaisd.net
Phone: 956-323-2156
Avelina Pena-Segovia,
Advanced Academic Strategist
a.pena5@lajoyaisd.net
Phone: 956-323-2157
Address: 200 West Expressway 83
La Joya, Tx 78560
The La Joya Independent School District serves gifted and talented students who are currently identified in grades K-12. One way in which the district attempts to include as many students as possible in all learning processes is to constantly increase our capacity to accommodate the needs of all learners. All GT students receive lessons by teachers skilled in differentiating and individualize instruction to the gifted learner. La Joya ISD provides opportunities for all students to achieve at high levels; however, we recognize the need to accelerate instruction for those students whose performance indicates the need for a differentiated curriculum as determined by their individual need. Therefore, the emphasis is on enriched, extension, acceleration, and exceptional learning activities in the four core academic areas of Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Learning activities are designed to foster creative and critical thinking as well as independent study.
La Joya defines gifted and talented students as a child or youth who performs at, or shows the potential for, performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment, and who:
exhibits high performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area;
possesses an unusual capacity for leadership; or
excels in a specific academic field.
La Joya Independent School District is dedicated to the belief that in order for all students to attain mastery of the instructional goals, there must be a district-wide commitment to constant renewal according to the most effective practices and procedures in the most current research findings. The gifted and Talented Program is an extension of the philosophy adopted by the La Joya School District. In order to operationalize this philosophy in the most comprehensive and organized manner, the district has adopted The Quality District Model. The district’s Mission Statement, Foundation Beliefs and Desired Exit Behaviors: Student Learner Outcomes, exemplify this philosophy.
Secondary GT /Pre AP and AP Teachers provide direct services to students in the Identified core area/areas as well as advanced learners in which differentiation in instruction is provided for them by modifying the depth, complexity, and pacing of the regular school program.
At La Joya ISD, we provide opportunities for all students to achieve at high levels; however, we recognize the need to accelerate instruction for those students whose performances indicates the need for a differentiated curriculum.
At the secondary level, the gifted and talented students are enrolled in the identified Pre-Advanced Placement and / or Advanced Placement courses such as Math, Science, Social Studies, and / or English that provide rigorous learning experiences that prepares them with the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in the Advanced Placement courses. La Joya ISD encourages students to understand the benefits of taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Furthermore; La Joya ISD encourages students to enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which provide opportunities for the students to take one or more college level courses and exams while still in high school. Consequently, as research proves, students master in-depth content at the college level more easily after completing AP courses in high school. Students also acquire sophisticated academic skills and increased self-confidence in preparation for college. The earlier students prepare for AP or college courses by taking the most rigorous classes available, the more likely there will be success. The keys to success are motivation, self-discipline, and academic preparation; these skills are engendered through the AP curriculum.
Advanced Placement - AP) provides students with an opportunity to take one or more college level courses and exams while still in high school. Consequently, as research proves, students master in-depth content at the college level more easily after completing AP courses in high school. Students also acquire sophisticated academic skills and increased self-confidence in preparation for college. The earlier students prepare for AP or college courses by taking the most rigorous classes available, the more likely will be their success. The keys to success are motivation, self-discipline, and academic preparation; these skills are engendered through the AP curriculum.
