Introduction: The Special Programs Department of Vidor ISD provides opportunities for a variety of student needs to be met. Specially trained teachers provide supplementary, intensive, and accelerated instruction to qualifying students. The programs help students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to meet or exceed the State performance standards. Additionally, Special Programs supports a comprehensive drug and violence prevention program which includes activities for all students.

Pre-Kindergarten: The Pre-Kindergarten program is designed to identify and serve eligible preschool children who are at least four years old on or before September 1 of the current school year. Students may qualify for this program if they are eligible for the free or reduced lunch program, homeless, a child of an armed forces member, non-English speaking or if the child is or has ever been in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services following an adversary hearing. The Pre-K program is a full-day program which helps children to develop age-appropriate readiness skills.

Title I Part A, State Compensatory Education, and Accelerated Learning Labs (ALL): These programs provide opportunities for students who need supplemental instruction in order to meet the state performance standards at their grade level. These supplementary classes are offered at the elementary, middle, and junior high campuses.
Evaluation of State Compensatory Education - (District Plan '06-'07 pages 169-365)

TAKS Improvement classes: These classes are designed to improve and enhance the regular education program, improve student performance on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test (TAKS), and increase graduation rate. Vidor ISD uses student TAKS tests results to determine placement in TAKS improvement classes which are offered at high school.

Gifted and Talented Program (G/T): VISD provides a G/T program to meet the unique needs of students identified as gifted. Identification is made according to state guidelines and district policy. The program provides curriculum which focuses on opportunities for high level learning, thinking, research and communication skills. (High achieving students, not identified as gifted, may be invited to participate in the talent pool as space is available. Placement in the talent pool is subject to change from year to year.)

Dyslexia: Students identified with dyslexia may have difficulty reading, writing and spelling. The District's intervention program is designed to provide students with strategies to help them to become successful readers. Trained instructors coordinate with classroom teachers to use alternative teaching methods and strategies for these students.

English As A Second Language (ESL): The English As a Second Language program focuses on assisting students with limited English proficiency at all grade levels. Certified ESL teachers provide instruction that will help students increase their ability to understand, speak, read, and write the English language.

Pregnancy Related Services (PRS): The program is designed to help meet the special needs of pregnant students. These support services help students adjust to the pregnancy and increase their ability to stay in school. Students are eligible to receive PRS services when the pregnancy is verified by a licensed medical practitioner or a campus official.

Accelerated Reading Instruction (ARI) and Accelerated Math Instruction (AMI): Student Success Initiative program identifies and serves students in K-8 who need ARI and in grade 4-8 who need AMI. These programs help students complete their grade level curriculum requirements and successfully pass the TAKS test.

Title IV, Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities: The Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities program is designed to adopt and carry out a comprehensive drug and violence prevention educational program. It is designed for all students and employees to prevent the use, possession, and distribution of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs. The program focuses on creating a safe disciplined environment that promotes learning and student success. The program supports activities throughout the school year to prevent violence in and around our schools. Teen Leadership, D.A.R.E., and our elementary character building curriculum are part of this program. All of VISD campuses are recognized as “Character Plus Schools” by the Texas Education Agency.

For information concerning the Special Programs of Vidor ISD, please contact Campus Counselors, or Suzanne Wojtowich, Director of Special Programs, at 951-8708.