Welcome to Advanced Academics

- About Us
- GATE (Gifted & Talented Education) - Grades K-5
- Destination Imagination (DI)
- Grades 6-12 - Advanced Academics
- Online Learning
- Contact Us
About Us
We are committed to providing our students, community, teachers and administrators with quality and responsive customer service. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding GATE (Gifted and Talented Education), Advanced Academics, Online Learning, Dual Credit, AVID and College, Career, Military Readiness.
Ramonda L. Fields, M.Ed.
Director
Rocio Correa Zuniga
Administrative Assistant for Advanced Academics & College, Career, Military Readiness
GATE (Gifted & Talented Education) - Grades K-5

Grades K-5
GATE services are designed for students with high general intellectual abilities. Birdville ISD uses multiple measures to screen and identify students for GATE services. GATE pull-out classes serve identified students in grades K-5.
For Grades K-5
- GATE Services: Grades K-2
- GATE Services: Grades 3-5
- GATE Elementary Curriculum and Standards
- Credit By Exam - Elementary
- GT Identification and Assessment
GATE Services: Grades K-2
Birdville ISD offers a continuum of GATE services for 1st-2nd grade students to help match the level of service to the student's identified educational needs.
GATE Elementary Program Services-1st-2nd Grade
According to TEA mandates, programming options must enable identified gifted and talented students to work together, work with other students, and to work independently throughout the entire school year.
Level I Services include teacher supported differentiation for appropriate growth. Level I services are appropriate for student's whose data indicate they are an above-average learner or for students who have a strength in a particular content area. Level I Services may include:
- Clustering of gifted/high ability students in groups of five (5) or more in the general education classroom with a teacher who has completed required GT training
- Instructional materials that help enhance, enrich, and extend the grade level curriculum are provided by the GT Dpartment and used by classroom teachers based on the educational needs of each student
- Participation in extracurricular enrichment activities such as Destination Imagination, Battle of the Books, and Camp Invention. Students who receive Level I services only are NOT formally identified GT by Birdville ISD
Level II Services involve more complex instruction and faster pacing for appropriate growth. Level II services are appropriate for students whose data reflect high general intellectual ability and evidence of gifted behaviors and traits displayed by the student. Students receive Level II services by:
- actively participating in weekly GATE pull-out classes. GATE pull-out classes offer the students the opportunity to spend an extended period of time working with other identified GT students under the guidance of a GATE teacher who has received extensive training in working with gifted learners. The curriculum used in GATE classrooms is designed around the GATE standards of independent learning, critical & creative thinking strategies, guided & independent research, social and emotional needs, and elements of depth & complexity. First-Second Grade students attend GATE pull-out classes for approximately 2 hours each week on their home campus. Students who receive Level II services are formally identified GT by Birdville ISD. Students who receive Level II services should also receive Level I Services while in the general education classroom.
Level III Services involve acceleration for appropriate growth. Level III services are appropriate for students whose data reflect advanced knowledge of the next grade level's curriculum without formal instruction. Students must demonstrate advanced learning by getting a recommended score on a Credit by Exam (CBE) test as well as be recommended by a district representative for the acceleration placement to occur. Because Credit by Exam (CBE) testing must occur prior to instruction in the grade levell, the majority of CBE testing for elementary students is completed during the months of June & July.
Read more about Credit by Exam testing
KINDERGARTEN GATE SERVICES:
Level I Services: All kindergarten teachers should have completed required GT training and may provide differentiated instruction and enrichment of the core curriculum. During the first semester, Primary Gifted & Talented Interventionists conduct a series of push-in lessons in all kindergarten classrooms. These lessons are designed to elicit high-level thinking and gifted behaviors in young students. Parents, classroom teachers, or gifted and talented interventionists may refer a kindergarten student to be screened for GATE services during the second semester. The district establishes a timeline each school year for screening and formal identification for GATE services. Read information about screening for GATE services
Level II Services: Kindergarten students who are recommended for Level II GATE services begin participating in Level II services in first grade. Pull-out classes offer GATE students the opportunity to work with cognitive peers for extended time under the direction of a Gifted & Talented Interventionist (GTI) that has received specialized training in working with gifted students. Curriculum in pull-out classes focuses on the GATE Standards.
Level III Services: Grade level acceleration or telescoping in math (requires additional testing as well as a recommendation from a district representative). Some students who have advanced learning in one or more subject areas may be a candidate for a full grade level acceleration or telescoping in math. The guidelines for each type of acceleration are listed below:
- Grade level acceleration:
- Credit by Exam testing in four core areas (mathematics, reading/language arts, social studies, and science).
- Testing must occur before any prior instruction in the grade level.
- Students must score an 80% or higher on all four Credit by Exam tests.
- In addition to scores from Credit by Exam tests, the Iowa Scales for Acceleration is completed as part of the data to determine if a grade level acceleration is the best placement for a student.
- Telescoping in math:
- Credit by Exam testing in math only.
- Testing must occur before any prior instruction in the grade level.
- Students must score a 90% or higher.
GATE Services: Grades 3-5
Birdville ISD offers a continuum of GATE services for 3rd-5th grade students to help match the level of service to the student's identified educational needs
GATE Elementary Program Services-3rd-5th Grade
According to TEA mandates, programming options must enable identified gifted and talented students to work together, work with other students, and to work independently throughout the entire school year.
Level I Services include teacher supported differentiation for appropriate growth. Level I services are appropriate for students whose data indicate they are an above-average learner or for students who have a strength in a particular content area. Level I Services may include:
- clustering of gifted/high ability students in groups of five (5) or more in the general education classroom with a teacher who has completed required GT training
- instructional materials that help enhance, enrich, and extend the grade level curriculum are provided by the GT Department and used by classroom teachers based on the educational needs of each student
- participation in extracurricular enrichment activities such as Destination Imagination, Battle of the Books, and Camp Invention. Students who receive Level I services only are NOT formally identified GT by Birdville ISD
Level II Services involve more complex instruction and faster pacing for appropriate growth. Level II services are appropriate for students whose data reflect high general intellectual ability and evidence of gifted behaviors and traits displayed by the student. Students receive Level II services by:
- actively participating in weekly GATE pull-out classes. GATE pull-out classes offer the students the opportunity to spend an extended period of time working with other identified GT students under the guidance of a GATE teacher who has received extensive training in working with gifted learners. The curriculum used in GATE classrooms is designed around the GATE standards of independent learning, critical & creative thinking strategies, guided & independent research, social and emotional needs, and elements of depth & complexity. Third-Fifth Grade students attend GATE pull-out classes for approximately 5 hours each week at centralized HUB sites based on middle & high school feeder patterns. Students who receive Level II services are formally identified GT by Birdville ISD. Students who receive Level II services should also receive Level I Services while in the general education classroom.
Level III Services involve acceleration for appropriate growth. Level III services are appropriate for students whose data reflect advanced knowledge of the next grade level's curriculum prior to formal instruction. Students must demonstrate advanced learning by getting a recommended score on a Credit by Exam (CBE) as well as be recommended by a district representative for the acceleration placement to occur. Because Credit by Exam (CBE) testing must occur prior to instruction, most elementary students complete CBE testing during the months of June & July.
GATE Elementary Curriculum and Standards
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The curriculum used in Level II GATE Services (Pull-out services) is designed to align with the Texas state goal for services for gifted/talented students: "Students who participate in services designed for gifted/talented students will demonstrate skills in self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication as evidenced by the development of innovative products and performances that reflect individuality and creativity and are advanced in relation to students of similar age, experience or environment."
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GATE standards for self-directed learning, critical & creative thinking strategies, guided & independent research, affective development, and elements of Depth and Complexity have been developed for primary and intermediate GATE students. In addition, a universal concept with generalizations is explored each school year. Students engage in multiple project-based and problem-based learning experiences.
Students who actively participate in Level II GATE Services will receive a progress report at the end of each semester that measures their progress/performance in response to GATE services.
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Credit By Exam - Elementary
Elementary Advanced Academic Options
Advanced Academic Acceleration is one of the cornerstones of exemplary gifted education practices, with more research supporting this intervention than any other in the literature on gifted individuals. The practice of academic acceleration has long been used to match high level student general ability and specific talent with optimal learning opportunities.
The purposes of acceleration as a practice with gifted students are:
- to adjust the pace of the instruction to the students' capability in order to develop a sound work ethic,
- to provide an appropriate level of challenge in order to avoid the boredom from repetitious learning, and
- to reduce the time period necessary for students to complete traditional schooling.
Birdville ISD offers two advanced academic options for elementary students: Full grade level acceleration and acceleration in math (telescoping). Click here for specific policies regarding Credit by Exam Testing. Credit by Exam testing must take place without prior instruction (before any formal instruction in the tested grade level begins). Students must be enrolled and attending a Birdville ISD school before any Credit by Exam testing can occur.
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Students in Birdville ISD may pursue acceleration testing for telescoping in math (accelerating in math only) or full grade-level acceleration (grade-skipping) based on students' mastery of academic content and/or documented need for accelerated course content.
Credit by Examination WITHOUT Prior Instruction (CBE for Acceleration) is administered to a student seeking credit for a course or grade level without receiving any prior instruction in the course(s). Birdville ISD employees are not able to provide any resources that provide any sort of instruction to prep the student for taking a Credit by Exam test.
An elementary student may test out of a grade level or math course with NO prior instruction if the following criteria are met in accordance with Board policy:
- Telescoping in math (single subject acceleration in math): Credit by Exam assessments consist of one assessment for each year-long course. To telescope in math, a student must meet the following requirements:
- A student must earn 90% or higher on an approved Credit by Exam (CBE) Mathematics test for the grade level the student desires to accelerate past.
- A student must be recommended for the acceleration placement by a district representative
- A student's parents or guardian must give written approval of the acceleration
- Full grade level acceleration (grade skipping): Credit by Exam assessments consist of one assessment for each year-long course. To accelerate out of a single grade level, a student must meet the following requirements:
- A student must earn 80% or higher on an approved Credit by Exam (CBE) test for each of the core content areas (Mathematics, Reading-Language Arts, Science, Social Studies) for the grade level the student desires to accelerate past. The first test that is given is Mathematics. If the student does not earn 80% or higher on the Mathematics test, no additional tests are ordered and the testing process ends for the student.
- A student must be recommended for acceleration by a district representative
- A student's parents or guardian must give written approval of the acceleration
Birdville ISD utilizes credit by exam assessment services from the University of Texas at Austin-UT High School, a Texas Education Agency (TEA)-approved assessment provider. Exams are criterion-referenced tests that evaluate mastery of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for a specific subject or grade level. UT High School provides study guides for each credit by exam test offered. It is strongly recommended that parents review these study guides to familiarize themselves with the content that will be covered during the test and what the format of the test is like. The study guides provide some practice questions that students can complete. Access UT High School Credit by Exam Study Guides.
Students may attempt Credit by Exam testing one time per school year and only during the designated testing windows/dates. Please see the document below for Credit by Exam test dates for the 2023-2024 school year. Because Credit by Exam testing must occur PRIOR to any instruction in the grade level/content that the student is trying to test out of, the majority of Credit by Exam testing for elementary students is done during the summer test dates.
- Telescoping in math (single subject acceleration in math): Credit by Exam assessments consist of one assessment for each year-long course. To telescope in math, a student must meet the following requirements:
If you are having trouble viewing the document, you may download the document.
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Birdville ISD charges a $25 fee to order the first Credit by Exam test for a student. After the first Credit by Exam test is completed by the student, Birdville ISD will reimburse the $25 fee back to the original form of payment. If a student fails to complete a Credit by Exam test after it has been ordered, the $25 fee will not be reimbursed.
Questions regarding Credit by Exam testing may be directed to the Coordinator of GT Services: contact Donna Hodge, Coordinator of GT Services
GT Identification and Assessment
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Birdville ISD follows the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted & Talented Students and collects multiple measures when screening students who may be in need of GATE services. After data is collected, GATE Placement Committees for each campus meet to review the data for each student that was screened for GATE services. Recommendations for GATE services are based on a review of the data that is collected during the screening process. The recommended level of service is matched to the identified learning needs of each student screened.
Each school year, parents, guardians, and district personnel are invited to refer students for testing for GT services. These services are designed to meet the unique intellectual and affective needs of gifted children. Before completing the referral form, you are encouraged to review the characteristics below to determine whether or not your child may benefit from gifted services. While each gifted individual is still unique, most gifted children display many of these characteristics in the home and school environment. Please note that while the statements below may be useful in guiding your decision in referring a child for screening, the decision to refer ultimately belongs to you.
Destination Imagination (DI)
Destination Imagination (DI) is a project based, kid-driven program that teaches kids to be innovative problem solvers. Using Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math (STEAM), teams of students collaborate, think outside the box and create unique solutions to one of seven different challenges in preparation for a fun, problem-solving competition.
A maximum of seven (7) may participate on a Destination Imagination Team under the supervision of an adult volunteer(s) acting as Team Managers or Co-Managers.
If you are interested in your child participating on a Destination Imagination Team this school year, please access the district-wide interest form to complete information for your child. **Please note, indicating interest is NOT a guarantee that your child will be placed on a Destination Imagination team. Team formation is limited by the number of adult volunteers willing to manage/co-manage a Destination Imagination Team** DEADLINE TO COMPLETE THE INTEREST FORM IS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2023
For more information regarding Destination Imagination, access the Mid-Cities Destination Imagination website
For a sneak peek of the Team Challenges for the 23-24 school year, please click the image below:
Destination Imagination Informational Video-September 17, 2023
Birdville ISD Destination Imagination Handbook 2023-2024
Congratulations to Team NonCents from Smithfield Middle School and Team D Island Gators from Green Valley Elementary on receiving invitations to attend Destination Imagination Global Competition in Kansas City, MO May 20-23!
Congratulations to the Birdville ISD Destination Imagination Teams that advanced to the Lone Star Finals March 24-25!
Team NonCents from Smithfield Middle School received 1st Place for their solution to the team challenge Showdown!
Team Members: Ellie C., Harper D., Nora F., Rory G., Liza G., Selah M.
Team Managers: Margaret Hutto & Heather Gaven
Team Loose Cannons from WA Porter Elementary received 2nd place for their solution to the team challenge Far-Fetched!
Team Members: Jillian A., Dustin C., Max L., Sol S., Brody W., Thomas Z.
Team Managers: Abbie Arellano & Ashley Bryant
Team D Island Gators from Green Valley Elementary received 1st Place for their solution to the team challenge Piece by Piece!
Team Members: Brady A., Reis C., Lucca L., Colbie S., Navya S., Zoe S., Sarah S.
Team Managers: Amy Swift & Vanessa Copeland
Let Me Speak to Ur Team Manager from Birdville High School received 2nd Place for their solution to the team challenge Flip the Script!
Team Members: Brianna G., Brooke H., Ella P.
Team Manager: Nicole Pursley
An "extreme challenge" team from Smithfield Middle School received 1st Place for their solution to the team challenge The "_____" Method
Team Members: Olivia B., Terrance W., Wiott W.
Team Managers: Rachel Fineman & Sherrie Williams
Grades 6-12 - Advanced Academics

Grades 6-12
Advanced Academics programming serves identified gifted students as well as students with potential, interest and academic integrity to commit to advanced level coursework in grades 6 -12. Programming encompasses such opportunities as Honors, Honors+, Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID).
For Grades 6-12
- Advanced Academics Mission
- GATE Services and Options: 6th - 12th
- Advanced Placement
- Dual Credit
- Credit By Exam - Secondary
- SAT/ACT/PSAT Information
- Advanced Level Course Recommendations
- AVID
Advanced Academics Mission
Advanced Academics Mission
Birdville ISD offers an advanced and challenging curriculum through an array of learning experiences that provide a depth and complexity extended beyond the district's core curriculum. As students progress through school, BISD offers opportunities for students to produce sophisticated, meaningful products and engage in valuable academic discourse and lived experiences in preparation for success beyond the BISD classroom.
Advanced Academics Program
Birdville ISD believes it is vital for students to have every opportunity to excel academically through rigorous and challenging courses. During the middle school years, identified gifted and talented students are served at the secondary level through Honors and Honors+ courses and during high school via Honors, Advanced Placement courses, Dual Credit, and/or Advanced Career Technology Education which provides options for students to excel in many areas of study. Students and parents should expect these courses to be challenging, thought provoking, rigorous, differentiated, and faster paced.
BISD embraces inclusivity as illustrated via College Board's open access policy which attests "all students deserve engaging, relevant, and challenging grade-level coursework. Access to this type of coursework increases opportunities for all students, including groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in AP and college classrooms."
GATE Services and Options: 6th - 12th
Traits of Giftedness
Gifted individuals are unique, each displays different traits and behaviors of giftedness. Below are some common traits that gifted individuals exhibit. No gifted learner exhibits all of these traits to the same degree.
- Ability to comprehend material several grade levels above their age peers
- Surprising emotional depth and sensitivity at a young age
- Strong sense of curiosity
- Enthusiastic about unique interests and topics
- Quirky or mature sense of humor
- Creative problem solving and imaginative expression
- Absorbs information quickly with few repetitions needed
- Self-aware, socially aware, and aware of global issues
Screening Process for Secondary Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Services
Birdville ISD follows the Texas State Plan for Gifted Education and uses multiple measures when screening students for GATE services. The same types of data are initially collected on each referred student, including current scores from a standardized aptitude test and input on gifted traits/behaviors observed in the home and school environment. The collected data for each referred student is taken to a GATE Placement committee for review. GATE Placement Committees are formed of a minimum of three district personnel who have completed required GT training. During the meeting, a member of the GATE Placement Committee may request additional data before making a service recommendation. Students whose data reflects that gifted/talented (GATE) services will be the most effective way to meet their identified educational needs may be recommended for GATE Services.
Credit by Exam Testing for Acceleration: Grades 6 - 12
The Birdville Independent School District offers students in grades 6 - 12 credit for academic subjects in which the student has received no prior instruction (EHDC LEGAL) if the student scores:
If you would like to request Credit by Exam Testing for a secondary (grades 6-12) student, please contact your child's campus counselor.
- A three or higher on a College Board advanced placement examination that has been approved by the board for the applicable course;
- A scaled score of 50 or higher on an examination administered through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and approved by the board for the applicable course; or
- Eighty percent or above on any other criterion-referenced test approved by the board for the applicable course. The Birdville ISD Board has approved use of CBE assessments from Avant Assessment for World Language Exams and the University of Texas for all other content areas.
- If a student is given credit in a subject on the basis of a CBE on which the student scored 80 percent or higher, the district will enter the examination score on the students' transcript and the student is not required to take an end-of-course assessment instrument under Education Code 39.023(c) for the course.
- A student may not attempt to earn credit by examination for a specific high school course more than two times. If a student fails to earn credit by examination for a specific high school course before the beginning of the school year in which the student would ordinarily be required to enroll in that course in accordance with the prescribed sequence, the student must satisfactorily complete the course to receive credit for the course.
- Credit by Exam testing for World Languages is a proficiency exam and will place the student in the appropriate level of the world language course.
Advanced Placement
Birdville ISD Advanced Level Courses
Honors (Formerly Pre-AP)
- Prepare students for success on the state-required academic curriculum
- Help build student capacity to understand rigorous course content
- Require advanced reading, writing, and problem solving
- Provide foundational skills necessary for success in a college level course
- Establish a pathway for an advanced academic option in subsequent courses
- Require student and parent signatures acknowledging the expectations of committing to the level of work that meets the standards of the courses
Honors +
- Self-contained GT course options available in certain content areas at all BISD middle school campuses:
- 6th Grade: Science & Social Studies
- 7th Grade: Science & Social Studies
- 8th Grade: Science & Social Studies
- Provides opportunities for identified GT students to spend part of their school day with other GT students
- Provides opportunities for curriculum differentiation specifically for GT learners, including independent research, product development, social and emotional needs, and "learned experiences".
- Completion of a Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP) that is embedded as a part of the course curriculum.
- Examination, reflection, and application of "Habitudes", attributes modeled by prominent figures in each subject area.
Advanced Placement (AP®) Courses:
- Designed to provide students exposure to college curricula while in high school and for success on College Board AP exams
- Require rigorous, fast-paced, extensive reading and writing
- May earn college credit with a qualifying score of 3 or higher on the correlating AP exam
- Contact the institution of higher education to confirm AP credit policy *Search the College Board AP Credit Policy by Higher Education Institution [opens in a new window]
- Provide students with a learning experience equivalent to that obtained in most college introductory courses
- Cover content that is required by the College Board in addition to state standards (TEKS)
- Require completion of the AP exam for every course in which the student is enrolled
- May result in substantial potential college cost savings
- Include open enrollment to all students, regardless of ethnic, racial, socioeconomic or traditionally underrepresented learning populations
- Include increased reading from multiple, college equivalent genres, writing assignments, projects or labs requiring complex problem solving
- Require student and parent acknowledgment of the expectations and commitment to advanced level coursework
Birdville ISD offers 31 of 40 courses & exam options including Art, English, History, Social Science, Math, Computer Science, Science, World Language and Culture, and Capstone program.
Participation
- Participation in advanced level courses is open to all students; however, students and parents must acknowledge the expectations and commitment to the level of work that meets the standards of the courses. Components of these courses include: increased reading from a genre that is at a college level, sophisticated writing assignments, and projects or labs with complex problem solving. Enrollment into these courses should be based on interest and ability since the curriculum requires more advanced and intensive work.
Student Choice/Staff Recommendation
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Students select courses based on interests, abilities, and selected endorsement or a coherent sequence of courses.
- Staff recommendation for student participation is preferred.
Student and Parent Commitment Contract
- Students understand the academic requirements for success in the course.
- Parents are informed of course expectations.
- Both student and parent sign commitment contract.
Academic Monitoring
- Designated staff monitors performance of advanced academic students each nine weeks.
- No single individual can withdraw a student from an advanced academic course.
- Collaborative conference is held for students not performing successfully.
- Some form of intervention is designed and implemented to ensure student success.
- Progress monitoring and communication with parents occur.
- After one unsuccessful nine week cycle, a collaborative conference with student, parent, teacher, and counselor is convened to consider continuation or scheduling change.
AP Scholar Awards for Birdville ISD
Birdville Independent School District recognizes 345 AP® Scholars in the 2024 administration
Advanced Placement courses are offered at all high schools in the district and at middle schools with an AP World Language program. AP exams are administered each May, providing students an option to earn college credit by attaining a qualifying score of 3, 4 or 5. A student's award status is calculated based on exams taken in the current year as well as in previous years. Students may be represented in multiple categories. The AP Scholar Awards are academic distinctions for students to cite among their credentials.
Award Levels
AP Scholar - granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP
AP Scholar with Honor - granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more AP exams taken
AP Scholar with Distinction - granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more
AP exams taken
National AP Scholar - granted to students in the United States who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more AP exams taken
AP Seminar and Research Certificate - granted to students who earn scores of 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research in addition to earning scores of 3 or higher on 4 AP exams throughout high school.
To find out more about the Advanced Placement program visit the College Board's student page.
Dual Credit
Benefits of Dual Credit Courses
- Receive college credit while also receiving high school credit;
- Graduate from high school with transferable college credits;
- Fast-track undergraduate or vocational degrees;
- Save on tuition and fees by accelerating time to complete a degree;
- Have access to the full range of college services;
- Experience college culture;
- Gain confidence to succeed in college
Our higher education partners:
For more information about our dual credit options, contact your high school counselor.
Credit By Exam - Secondary
Credit by Exam Testing for Acceleration: Grades 6 - 12
The Birdville Independent School District offers students in grades 6 - 12 credit for academic subjects in which the student has received no prior instruction (EHDC LEGAL) if the student scores:
If you would like to request Credit by Exam Testing for a secondary (grades 6-12) student, please contact your child's campus counselor.
- A three or higher on a College Board advanced placement examination that has been approved by the board for the applicable course;
- A scaled score of 50 or higher on an examination administered through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and approved by the board for the applicable course; or
- Eighty percent or above on any other criterion-referenced test approved by the board for the applicable course. The Birdville ISD Board has approved use of CBE assessments from Avant Assessment for World Language Exams and the University of Texas for all other content areas.
- If a student is given credit in a subject on the basis of a CBE on which the student scored 80 percent or higher, the district will enter the examination score on the students' transcript and the student is not required to take an end-of-course assessment instrument under Education Code 39.023(c) for the course.
- A student may not attempt to earn credit by examination for a specific high school course more than two times. If a student fails to earn credit by examination for a specific high school course before the beginning of the school year in which the student would ordinarily be required to enroll in that course in accordance with the prescribed sequence, the student must satisfactorily complete the course to receive credit for the course.
- Credit by Exam testing for World Languages is a proficiency exam and will place the student in the appropriate level of the world language course.
SAT/ACT/PSAT Information

2024 Digital PSAT/NMSQT & SAT SCHOOL DAY ADMINISTRATION
Birdville ISD is paying for all 10th & 11th grade students to take the digital PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Ninth grade students may opt in to take the PSAT/NMSQT by paying the $18 fee on RevTrak, BISD web store.
Seniors may opt-in to take the district funded digital SAT School Day (SAT SD) on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 by registering on campus.
NOTE: Seniors who did not participate as juniors are eligible.
Birdville ISD is paying for all 8th grade students to take the digital PSAT 8/9 in October. Middle school dates are campus specific.
For more information about participation in the 2024 SAT digital suite administration for PSAT 8/9, PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day access the embedded Smore publication. 2024 Digital SAT Suite Smore (PSAT 8/9, PSAT/NMSQT, SAT School Day)
SAT SUITE STUDENT RESOURCES
- Bluebook Practice Resources
- SAT Suite Practice
- Prepare with 2024 PSAT 8/9 Student Guide
- Prepare with 2024 PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide
- Prepare with 2024 SAT School Day Student Guide
- Connect with Colleges - Student Search Service (SSS)
- Access Scholarship Opportunities with BigFuture

For additional information, contact the department of Advanced Academics & CCMR or your middle or high school campus.
Advanced Level Course Recommendations
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Advanced coursework for secondary students is designed to provide academic rigor, deep and more complex content at an accelerated pace in addition to opportunities to work independently and collaboratively through authentic learning. Birdville ISD offers advanced coursework in English, history and social sciences, math, science, computer science, arts, and world languages and cultures.
Birdville Independent School District considers multiple levels of identifying indicators for potential success in advanced level courses, based on various data sets, to ensure all students have program access and to encourage a representation of a school’s diverse student population.

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What are the benefits of taking Dual Credit courses in high school?
- Receive college credit, while also receiving high school credit
- Graduate from high school with transferable college credits
- Fast-track undergraduate or vocational degrees
- Save on tuition and fees by accelerating time to complete a degree
- Have access to the full range of college services
- Experience college culture
- Gain confidence to succeed in college
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Birdville ISD partners with the following institutions of higher education to provide Dual Credit courses:
New!!! Tarrant County College announced that the College is waiving tuition for all dual credit students, following a unanimous vote by its Board of Trustees. The Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program waives tuition for students enrolled in dual credit courses. For more information, visit FAST Program FAQs
- Tarrant County College
- Texas Woman's University
- Tarleton State University
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If you are interested in finding out more information on Dual Credit courses in Birdville ISD, please contact the Dual Credit Counselor at your high school.
AVID
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) College Readiness System
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AVID’s mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society.
In 1977, AVID Founder Mary Catherine Swanson identified the important skills necessary for a student to be successful at the post-secondary level. These components form the foundation of AVID, including its philosophy, practices, and curriculum, and include:
- A non-traditional classroom setting meeting the academic and emotional needs of individual students.
- The teacher as advisor/counselor/student advocate
- An emphasis on objective data
- The student at the center of decision-making regarding educational goals
- A student contract outlining willingness to work and setting learning goals
- Student support from teachers and skilled, trained tutors
- A curriculum emphasizing academic reading and writing
- Reliance on the Socratic process
("AVID's History." MYAVID. AVID, 2015. Web. 8 Dec. 2015. <www.avid.org/history.ashx>.)
Birdville ISD AVID Schoolwide System
Currently, BISD has expanded the AVID College Readiness System (CRS) to six middle schools (Haltom Middle School, North Oaks Middle School, North Richland Middle School, North Ridge Middle School, Richland Middle School, Watauga Middle School) and two high schools (Haltom High School, Collegiate Academy of Birdville). Haltom High School received the distinction of AVID National AVID Demonstration School in 2015 and was re-validated in 2018 and 2024. AVID National Demonstration Schools are exemplary models of the AVID College Readiness System which foster the highest level of schoolwide systemic visibility of AVID essentials.
The AVID schoolwide model integrates 5 core elements: writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading (WICOR). AVID is governed by 4 domains: instruction, systems, leadership and culture. The student interest process begins on campus with a student campus recommendation for the AVID CRS or a student/parent request with interest. Program criteria and academic commitment will be communicated by the campus AVID Site Coordinator of the aforementioned campuses.
Online Learning
Birdville ISD does not offer a fully remote program at this time. There are several options for free virtual schools approved by the Texas Education Agency.
Most students use our online courses during the school day to recover failed credits or repair a failed quarter. Talk to your counselor for more information.
