Special Programs
Choose a Program
Accelerated Reader (AR)
Accelerated Reader is a web-based program designed to promote a student's love of reading and help teachers understand the progress each student is making toward mastering reading comprehension. Our students choose the books they want to read that fall within their reading level. With the help of their teachers, students at YIS set and work toward goals each six weeks. Students can self-monitor through the AR website and families are invited to monitor progress and success through the Accelerated Reader Home Connect website. Please check out Home Connect at the attached link and feel free to contact your child's teachers with any questions.
G/T
The Gifted and Talented (G/T) program at Yoakum Intermediate School provides enrichment to qualifying students in grades 3-5 via weekly pullout sessions. Students are identified for the program through a comprehensive assessment process that considers multiple criteria, including standardized test scores, and teacher recommendations.
Once qualified, G/T students are pulled out of their regular classes once a week to work with peers who have similar social, emotional, and intellectual needs. Project based learning is facilitated for learning experiences that challenge students to reach for and achieve their very best work. Projects are selected from the Texas Performance Standards Projects, provided through the Texas Education Agency (TEA), ensuring alignment with state standards and best practices in gifted education.
The program aims to develop critical thinking, creativity, research skills, and advanced problem-solving abilities. Students collaborate on research projects and create final products that showcase their learning and talents. Six weeks progress reports keep parents informed of their child's growth in the program.
Through this approach, we strive to meet the unique needs of our gifted learners and intellectual curiosity to help them reach their full potential.
The Yoakum ISD district G/T coordinator is Lezlie Mitchell.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
RtI is a research-based multi-tiered approach to enhance the education of all students. RtI works to assess skills, identify intervention strategies, and provide services to students who need an additional layer of academic or emotional support. Please explore the resources and contact Yoakum Intermediate with any questions you have.
Response to Intervention: What Parents Need to Know from Disability Rights Texas
Special Education
Yoakum Intermediate is served by three special education teachers; Joni Vasbinder, Diane Aschen, and Kaitlyn Kvinta. Each Special Education teacher insures all special needs students get the help, accommodations, and support needed to be successful in the learning environment. Students can receive help in or outside the general education class from their special education teachers and paraprofessionals. Special education teachers also collaborate with parents and general education teachers to ensure our students' success.
For more information about Special Education, please see Special Education Resources on the YISD home page.