Course offerings often fail to tell the whole story; however, there are a host of special programs requiring teachers with special interests and skills. Stipends for teachers in special education and bilingual education are among the highest in the state.

Special programs within the district include:

Gifted/Talented Program

Approximately five percent of the total student population of Pasadena ISD is identified for participation in an enriched academic program. The purpose of this program is to recognize and develop the giftedness of district students. Eligible students from kindergarten through 12 are served by trained teachers whose specific services vary by campus.

Information about the Gifted/Talented Program, nomination of students and student eligibility is available at each campus. Eligible seventh grade students are given the opportunity to participate in the Duke University Talent Search which includes a special preparation class of the SAT test.

Special Education

A continuum of educational programs and services is provided for identified students with disabilities in the district. Pasadena ISD serves students with disabilities ages 3-21 with physical, mental or emotional problems from birth to age 21 students with visual or auditory impairments. Teachers within these programs serve children in a multitude of environments within the district. Each school has a special program while select campuses provide additional placement options for those students with more severe disabilities. The district assists over 3,000 disabled children in attaining a quality education and better way of life.

Bilingual/English as a Second Language

Within the district are children using between 30-40 different languages and dialects. Bilingual/English as a Second Language programs are in place to help those with limited English speaking skills keep pace with their classmates while learning a new language.

Pasadena ISD has a very strong commitment to Bilingual Education - so strong that its teachers receive a $3,000 stipend for their dedication. The program offers Limited English Proficient students a curriculum that includes basic skills instruction in their primary language and in English as well.

English as a Second Language is an expanding and progressive program in Pasadena. Students receive instruction that touches on different language skills while placing tremendous emphasis and energy on upgrading the student's self-esteem.

Pasadena ISD is aggressively recruiting talented, student-oriented, Bilingual and ESL teachers to serve as role models for tomorrow's leaders. Many new and exciting opportunities await those exceptional individuals who want to make a significant difference in the Bilingual/English as a Second Language programs.

Pre-Kindergarten

Students trying to overcome the bilingual barrier or those who may qualify for economic reasons may gain entry into the district's Pre-Kindergarten program. These students are provided additional instruction that will enable them to function successfully as they enter kindergarten the following year.

Students At-Risk

The district realizes there is a nationwide need to address the increasing numbers of students who are dropping out of school before earning a high school diploma. Although a complex issue with many factors beyond the control of the schools, Pasadena ISD teachers, counselors and administrators are finding ways to reach these at-risk students.

Adjusted or modified curriculum is in place at the elementary and secondary level to accommodate students having difficulty with basic course work, but intellectually beyond the services provided by special education. Student/teacher ratios are kept small to provide more intensive instruction in these classes.

The Challenger School is an alternative learning environment which uses contemporary instructional methods to promote educational success for its students. These students are fifth and sixth graders who have been unsuccessful in the traditional classroom setting.

The district is committed to a K-12 alternative concept to meet the every child's learning needs. Future plans are to provide an alternative setting for all grade levels while each campus establishes special programs to reach its at-risk students. In either case, extraordinary teachers are needed to reach the district's goal of 100 percent graduation.