| Gifted & Talented
Advanced Academic Services
Academic Competitions
Austin ISD supports the involvement of our gifted students in numerous programs and organizations that offer
to meet the needs of our advanced learners outside the regular school day.
The Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students
states in section 2.3A (Program Design) that "School Districts, when possible, shall
provide out-of-school options relevant to the student's area of strength." Campus participation in such out-of-school options is optional,
but encouraged.
The following academic competitions are supported by various departments in the Austin ISD. Participation varies from campus to campus
Academic competitions are hyperlinked in alphabetical order; however, they scroll in order of deadlines when available.
VARIES
Future Problem Solving
Contact Chris Funderburgh or Cyd Rogers at 512-414-6745/6746 for more information
901 Neal Street, Portable A - Austin, Texas 78702
Fax: 512-414-6096
The Texas Future Problem Solving Program is an interdisciplinary program, which follows a six-step modification of the creative problem
solving process and requires students to use the higher level thinking skills of synthesis, analysis, and evaluation. The challenging materials
are designed to motivate students to develop creative, critical, and analytical thinking skills as well as research skills; increase awareness of and
interest in the future; develop teamwork skill and improve communication skills; and learn and use problem solving strategies. Students in grades K-12
may participate in four divisions of the program; curricular, community service, and scenario writing.
National Language Exams
Contact 512-414-4212 for more information:
Foreign Language Competitions
Contact 512-414-4212 for more information.
French
-Texas French Symposium (High School only) http://www.texasfrenchsymposium.org
German
-Sprachfest Texas State German Competition http://germancontest.org/state/
Latin
-Junior Classical League competitions http://www.njcl.org
-Certamen (a type of College-Bowl) tournaments - Listserv: armadilloclassical@yahoogroups.com
Spanish
-Pan-American Student Forum (variety of academic and other contests) every year in San Antonio http://www.pasf.com
-The University of Texas at Austin Annual Spanish Poetry Declamation - contact 512-471-4936 for more information.
OCTOBER
Austin Film Festival's Young Filmmakers Competition
http://www.austinfilmfestival.com/yfpcompetition
Students age 13-18 can enter for free and have the chance for their short film to be screened at the 16th annual Austin Film Festival,
October 22-29, 2009. The winner receives 2 All-Access Producer Badges to the festival as well as a Bronze Typewriter Award, presented
to them at the prestigious Awards Luncheon on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at the Austin Club.
Geography Bee
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee
Each year thousands of schools in the United States participate in the National Geographic Bee using materials prepared by the National Geographic
Society. The contest is designed to encourage teacher to include geography in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject, and increase
public awareness about geography. Schools with students in grades four through eight are eligible for this entertaining and challenging test of geographic
Knowledge.
NOVEMBER
Patriot's Pen
http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.leveld&did=151
A nationwide competition that gives students in grades 6, 7, and 8 the opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy. Contestants write
a 300-400 word essay based on an annual patriotic theme. Entries due November 2009.
DECEMBER
Math Counts
http://mathcounts.org/netcommunity/Page.aspx?pid=195&srcid=-2
MathCounts is a nationwide mathematics competition for middle school (targeted at 7th and 8th grade) students. It is conducted on four successive
levels: school, chapter, state, and national. The program features innovative problems and problem solving strategies designed to teach higher-order
thinking skills. MathCounts is designed not only to recognize student achievement in math, but also to present students with tough competition in order
to whet their appetites for math proficiency and mathematics-related career.
JANUARY
C-SPAN Student Cam
http://www.studentcam.org/index.htm
StudentCam is open to all middle school students (grades 6-8) and high school students (grades 9-12) in the United States as individuals, or teams of
students. Teams are limited to 3 students. Videos must be the original work of students, however, teachers may provide guidance and critiques.
FEBRUARY
Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition
http://www.utexas.edu/world/barbarajordan/
The University of Texas at Austin is pleased to announce their CALL FOR ENTRIES for the Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition - a contest designed
to encourage high school students from all backgrounds to research and write histories about the contributions that African Americans have made to
their communities throughout Texas. The top three essay winners will receive scholarship awards: $2,500 for first place; $1,500 for second place;
and, $1,000 for third place. All students who submit essays receive a certificate of participation. For information, call Deb Duval, (512) 232-7599,
or email deb_duval@mail.utexas.edu.
Visual Arts Scholastic Event: Regional Event
http://www.taea.org/vase/
The Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) has sponsored the Visual Art Scholastic Event (VASE) since 1994. VASE is the only art event of its kind
in the nation. Students are provided the opportunity to bring artworks created in their art classes to a regional event where they are interviewed
by a certified juror who evaluates their work based on a standards based rubric and their understanding of the art processes involved in the
development of their artwork. Only academically eligible high school students in grades 9-12 enrolled in a Texas public or private school
in Texas can participate in VASE.
National History Day
http://www.nationalhistoryday.org
National History Day aims to:
- Motivate students through the excitement of competition and through recognition for their work.
- Provide students with the opportunity to work with and analyze historical documents and other primary source material
- Provide a framework for hands-on, student-centered learning that guides classroom teaching as well as continuous professional development
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will help students manage and use information effectively now and in the future.
- Develop student research and reading skills and to refine student presentation skills in writing, visual projects and performances.
- Encourage students to move beyond the classroom and into the community to investigate history
- Provide teachers with innovative teaching tools
- Assist teachers and schools in meeting educational standards by encouraging student participation in portfolio-building and outcome-based
learning activities
- Encourage the study of history by guiding students to express themselves creatively through presentations of historical topics
in various formats
Science Fair
http://www.sciencefest.org
The Austin Energy Regional Science Festival encourages and rewards innovative student research. It also provides scientists, engineers, and
other professionals a chance to volunteer in the community.
 Pre-Festival Schedule
MARCH
CyberFair
http://www.globalschoolnet.org/gsncf
An award-winning authentic learning program used by schools and youth organizations around the world. Youth conduct research and publish their findings
on the Web. Recognition is given to the best projects in each of eight categories. This White House-endorsed program encourages youth to become community
ambassadors by working collaboratively and using technology to share what they have learned. Students evaluate each other's projects by using a unique
online evaluation tool. Ages 5-19.
Texas Citizen Bee: Regional
http://www.constitutionbee.org/user
The Texas Citizen Bee is a statewide civic education program and competition which offers teachers and high school students (9th-12th grades) an
exciting way to reach and study America's heritage. The students will use the on-line "Study Guide" program created by the Bill of Rights Institute.
The guide covers the U.S. Constitution, important documents, people, issues, civic values and skills and a Bill of Rights Institute article/current
events category.
Math Pentathlon: Kindergarten - 1st grade
http://www.mathpentath.org
This motivational program strengthens basic math concepts and skills, aligns with National and State Mathematics Standard, and stimulates creative
thinking while developing problem-solving skills. The Math Pentathlon problem solving games provide a highly motivational format for developing and
practicing important mathematics concepts and skills. While playing the games, five per level, in cooperative groups, students in grades K-8
strengthen their strategic thinking and critical reasoning abilities. The Math Pentathlon games are supported by community gam nights and spring
tournaments. Grades K-7.
APRIL
Oracle ThinkQuest Competitions
http://www.thinkquest.org/competition/website/rules.html
Website Competition - Build an educational website. Choose a category and
create a website that you will upload to their server. The Evaluation Criteria
explains how your site will be scored. Be sure to review the Rules.
Math Pentathlon: 2 - 3rd grades
http://www.mathpentath.org
This motivational program strengthens basic math concepts and skills, aligns with National and State Mathematics Standard, and stimulates creative
thinking while developing problem-solving skills. The Math Pentathlon problem solving games provide a highly motivational format for developing and
practicing important mathematics concepts and skills. While playing the games, five per level, in cooperative groups, students in grades K-8
strengthen their strategic thinking and critical reasoning abilities. The Math Pentathlon games are supported by community gam nights and spring
tournaments. Grades K-7.
Austin Student Digital Film Festival
http://www.austinschools.org/filmfest
Non-competitive, non-profit film festival open to students and teachers in Texas grades K-12, free to enter and free to attend. The festival accepts
films from students and teachers. Selected films will be showcased at the UT Student Union Theater. For more information and examples of previous student films,
go to http://asdff.info.
MAY
Oracle ThinkQuest Competitions
http://www.thinkquest.org/competition/website/rules.html
Website Competition - Build an educational website. Choose a category and
create a website that you will upload to their server. The Evaluation Criteria
explains how your site will be scored. Be sure to review the Rules.
Math Pentathlon: 4 - 7th grades
http://www.mathpentath.org
This motivational program strengthens basic math concepts and skills, aligns with National and State Mathematics Standard, and stimulates creative
thinking while developing problem-solving skills. The Math Pentathlon problem solving games provide a highly motivational format for developing and
practicing important mathematics concepts and skills. While playing the games, five per level, in cooperative groups, students in grades K-8
strengthen their strategic thinking and critical reasoning abilities. The Math Pentathlon games are supported by community gam nights and spring
tournaments. Grades K-7.
Junior Visual Arts Scholastic Event
http://www.taea.org/vase
The Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) has sponsored the Junior Visual Art Scholastic Event (VASE) since 1997. VASE is the only art event of
its kind in the nation. Students are provided the opportunity to bring artworks created in their art classes to a regional event where they are
interviewed by a certified juror who evaluates their work based on a standards based rubric and their understanding of the art processes involved
in the development of their artwork. Only academically eligible middle school students in grades 6-8 enrolled in a Texas public or private school
can participate in Jr. VASE.
Destination Imagination
http://capital.texasdi.org
Destination Imagination is an extra-curricular program that fosters creativity and team-based problem-solving skills. There are two components to DI:
"Instant Challenges" and "Team Challenges". Participation in DI is available for grades K-12 and teams compete only against their peers. Through a
school's DI membership they can have up to 5 teams of 5 to 7 students. Each team chooses one challenge from a field of five to solve. The solution
is then presented at the Regional Meet in the spring.
University Interscholastic League (UIL)
http://www.uil.utexas.edu
The voluntary-membership, non-profit organization exists to provice educational extracurricular
academic, athletics, and
music contests. The initials UIL have come to represent quality educational competition administered by
school people on an equitable basis.
The purpose of the UIL is to organize and properly supervise contests that assist in
preparing students for citizenship. It aims to provide healthy, caharacter building, educational activities carried out under rules providing for
good sportsmanship and fair play for all participants.
AISD Student Anthology
The anthology includes selected writing pieces from students at each of our campuses. Each campus will receive an anthology to be placed in their campus library.
Student Organizations Offering Competitions
Business Professional of Americas http://www.bpa.org/default.html
A student organization emphasizing the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic, and
technological skills.
DECA http://www.deca.org
An organization offering the co-curricular education of students with interests in marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. DECA helps students
develop skills and competence for marketing careers, build self-esteem, experience leadership and practice community service.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) http://www.fbla-pbl.org
Integrates business and education as a focus for developing leadership and career development.
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America http://www.fcclainc.org
A career and technical student organization focused on in Family and consumer Sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of family member,
wage earner and community leader, members develop skills for life through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal
communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) http://www.hosa.org
A student organization whose mission is to promote career opportunities in health care and enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people.
Model United Nations (MUN) http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/modelun
The MUN club engages in an authentic simulation of the United Nations system by learning about the UN system, the skills of debate, compromise,
conflict resolution and negotiation. MUN team members have fun learning about the workings of world diplomacy through the lens of current events.
SkillsUSA http://www.skillsusa.org
A national nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled
service occupations, including health occupations. It was formerly known as VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America).
Texas Future Farmers of America (FFA) http://www.texasffa.org
A student-led leadership development organization for students of agricultural education. Agriculture is much broader than farming and ranching.
Members study things such as horticulture, aquaculture, food sciences, accounting, wildlife management, mechanics and engineering.
Texas Technology Students Association http://www.texastsa.org
This association prepares members for the challenge of a dynamic world by promoting technological literacy, leadership, and problem solving,
resulting in personal growth and opportunity.
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