The Learning Curve - Humble ISD Advanced Learning Podcast

In this episode of our College Admissions Series, we’re joined by Tiffany Easley, Prospective Student Recruiter for the Blinn College District. This series is designed to help students and families better understand what makes different colleges unique and how to navigate the admissions process with confidence. During our conversation, we discuss what makes Blinn College stand out, including its a...

In this episode of the Humble ISD Advanced Learning Podcast, Dr. Tong Utakrit continues the college admissions series with a conversation focused on student pathways and opportunities at San Jacinto College. Dr. Utakrit is joined by Stephanie Funderburg, Coordinator of Tours and Events, to discuss how San Jacinto College supports students through multiple entry points—including dual credit, transf...

Spend a few minutes with East Texas Baptist University and get the real feel for what student life, academics, and admissions look like at a smaller, relationship-driven campus. In this episode of the Advanced Learning Podcast, Dr. Tong Utakrit talks with Scott McCurdy about what makes ETBU unique in Marshall—including a strong campus community, personalized support (you’re not just a number), how...

In this episode of the Advanced Learning Podcast, Dr. Tong Utakrit is joined by Joe Francisco for a thoughtful conversation about college readiness, advanced academics, and what universities are actually looking for in prospective students. The discussion explores how institutions like Southern Methodist University approach the college admissions process, moving beyond grades and test scores to co...

Take a closer look at the University of Houston with Dante Dumas (UH Recruitment Specialist) as we continue the Humble ISD Advanced Learning Podcast College Admissions Series. In this episode, we talk through what makes UH stand out (from program strengths in business and engineering to pre-health pathways like Honors Med), how UH thinks about the admissions review, and how students can position t...

In Humble ISD we provide so many different opportunities for our students to engage with advanced coursework. Today hear from one of our amazing student leaders, Jenna Watson, as she talks about how she took advantage of those opportunities. She served on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, is an AVID student leader, a member of Student Council and NHS, and a varsity tennis player. She...

Starting in 6th grade students have the option to take advanced-level courses, but what does that really mean? Even at the upper-levels where classes can be Advanced, OnRamps, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or Dual Credit, what sort of thinking and learning can students expect to engage with? Hear from Parker Tredick with the Center for Depth and Complexity discuss the Secondary...

In Advanced courses in Humble ISD, students are asked to engage with content in deeper and more complex ways, but what does that mean, exactly? Hear directly from the President for The Center for Depth & Complexity, John Gould, as we discuss how students in advanced courses build expertise by using research-based thinking strategies that truly define depth and complexity.

You've heard all the merits of AVID from the district AVID coordinator, but what about the student experience? Aniya Thomas '22 shares what AVID has done for her and talks about an amazing opportunity she's been given from the national AVID organization. From the fulfillment to the necessary soft skills students need to be successful in the world today, listen to Aniya's passion and appreciation f...

Although test optional college admissions policies have been around since the 1960's, it's gained popularity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as colleges look to expand their admissions pools. Because of this, many students and parents are questioning if they need to take tests such as the SAT or ACT at all. In today's episode, we discuss the implications of these policies for students such as...

On a previous episode we looked at the overall benefits of UT OnRamps courses for students, but now we take a deep dive into OnRamps Physics I specifically with the amazing Glenn Taylor. Mr. Taylor is currently the OnRamps Physics I instructor at Kingwood Park High School, an Humble ISD graduate, former vocational engineer, and former AP Physics instructor.  Get information directly from the...

You may have heard of advanced placement, and know about AP tests, but did you know College Board also has a course that allows students to engage with their own unique research? AP Research & AP Seminar allows students to explore their passions and learn the basics of research and writing that will set them up for success not only at the Bachelors-degree level, but gain the foundational knowl...

In 2020-21, 707 Humble ISD students earned college credit through the University of Texas in Austin. That's an average savings of $695,000 in tuition and textbooks! UT OnRamps allows high school students to experience college before college and have an opportunity to earn a grade directly from UT Austin. If a student doesn't perform as well as they hope, they can also not accept the college credit...

Students have courses they must take in high school to graduate, so why not try to earn college credit at the same time? Learn about the various ways students can earn dual credit through college core essentials or becoming core complete. Hear about ways to take dual credit during the school year as well as in the summer through Dual Credit Summer Academy (DCSA).  Show guests are Kellie Sulli...

In the world of college-preparation, there's much to be said about the SAT suite of assessments. Come learn how the PSAT 8/9 and PSAT/NMSQT are administered in Humble ISD and see how the results can be used to help with future course selection, scholarship opportunities, and more. With PSAT scores having been released in early December, now is a great time to look closer at what the PSAT means for...

As one of the most world-renowned academically rigorous programs, the International Baccalaureate prepares students to be leaders on the world's stage. The IB Diploma Program is a highly respected, highly credible, complete educational program that prepares students for success beyond the classroom and is recognized by the world's leading colleges and universities. The IB courses offer a college-l...

Are you tired of looking for resources to help you do better on the SAT/ACT? What about getting a higher AP Exam score or being TSI complete for dual credit classes? How about a resource that will help you wit STAAR End-of-Course exams? Humble ISD has a great free resource for every high school student to help with improving those test scores. Hear about all the benefits of Shmoop and how to acces...

With all the demands students face in advanced courses, what if there was a way for students to receive the supports needed to be successful in such rigorous coursework? Today we discuss AVID, a program aimed at providing students in academically rigorous courses the supports needed to learn and perform at the highest levels. Students in AVID have access to some of the greatest resources available...

Up until 2021, Quest Early College High School has been housed at different locations around the Humble area, but in the fall of 2021 Humble ISD opened a new beautiful campus for the early college high school. Along with the new location came a new name honoring the legacy of the district’s former superintendent who was a champion for the early college high school. Join the conversation with Miss...

In this episode, we discuss an overview of gifted and talented services in Humble ISD with Dr. Meredith Austin, the gifted and talented coordinator for the district. Dr. Austin has been recognized as the state advocate for gifted and is the incoming chair of the TEA Commissioner's Advisory Council for Gifted/ Talented Education. For more information about G/T referrals in Humble ISD, visit us on o...

Whether it's looking at the world of gifted and talented, providing advanced instructional supports, or trying to earn college credit while still in high school, this is a general overview of what we mean by advanced learning in Humble ISD. Join the Advanced Learning and Services team as they give a broad overview of the many ways we support students in advanced learning in Humble ISD. The show re...

Join members of the Humble Independent School District Advanced Learning and Program Department as they discuss anything and everything related to advanced learning in the district. From AVID, to IB, GT, and ways to obtain college credit in high school, hear from experts and learn how to navigate the numerous options available for personalized student learning in advanced academics.