Vanguard Features
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Hamilton MS Vanguard/Magnet Students reflect these characteristics:
- Gifted and talented
- Academically-oriented
- Above-average knowledge of basic skills
- Ability to concentrate and work independently or cooperatively
- Demonstrates unique or unusual creative approaches
- Needs or is comfortable in accelerated class environment
- Displays leadership
Hamilton MS Vanguard/Magnet follows these guidelines:The Texas Performance Standards Project, TPSP, to deliver instruction on research and the research process. All Vanguard/Magnet students learn what excellent research is, an essential skill necessary for higher education.
Sixth Grade:
- Personal Interest survey
- Introduction to research basics
- Use of latest technological resources
- Public speaking and presentation
- Cornell Notes and organization techniques and skills
- Whole class and large group for team research
- Research analysis
- Classroom to world connections
Seventh Grade:
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Skills learned in sixth grade are sharpened
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Research analysis is at a higher level and includes more scientific and mathematical data
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Students work in smaller groups or in pairs to conduct research
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Students begin to think about the larger, individual project they will conduct in their 8th grade year
Eighth Grade:
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Eighth grade students work more independently along with a mentor in their field of study.
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Major goal is to reach a level 3 product by changing the world in some manner through their research
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All 8th grade Vanguard students present their research to their classmates and at the Hamilton Research Academy TPSP Expo held at the end of the year.
FLEX Period:Hamilton's FLEX period offers students the opportunity to sharpen learned skills and ignite a passion for something new and exciting. Students who excel rotate through a series of grade-level determined learning experiences every six weeks. Those who may be struggling in a specific area are assigned to a specific course intervention until mastery is attained.
Faculty:The faculty at Hamilton MS is an enthusiastic and nurturing group of teaching professionals with a range of skills and experience.