Our Schools

Independent Study

Each year our Gifted/Talented (GT) students are provided an opportunity for independent study. This is a chance for students to investigate an area of interest, develop a product or prototype demonstrating their learning and provide a presentation. Participating in Independent Study is a great college resume and portfolio builder, it increases confidence for public speaking, and allows our gifted students to explore an area of interest that may not be covered comprehensively during their normal grade level lessons.

Each student then uses their creations to compete at the independent study fairs:

  • Campus Participation - All GT students have the opportunity to develop and present their Independent Study.

  • Campus Independent Study Fair - All GT students grades 3-4 will have the opportunity to compete against each other. The top 5 Finalists move on to the Area Fair.

  • Area Independent Study Fair - The top five finalists from each campus will compete against students in their feeder pattern.

  • District Independent Study Fair - The Area Fair finalists will compete and one winner will be announced per grade level. These winners are awarded a medal. The best overall in district winner receives a plaque honoring their work.

Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students

Curriculum & Instruction 4.2: Opportunities are provided for students to pursue areas of interests in selected disciplines through guided and independent research.

Curriculum & Instruction 4.3: A continuum of learning experiences is provided that leads to the development of advanced-level products and/or performances such as those provided through the Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP) (19 TAC§89.3(2).

Curriculum & Instruction 4.4: Participation in the Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP), or other experiences that result in the development of sophisticated products and/or performances that are targeted to an audience outside the classroom, is available through gifted/talented curriculum.

Texas State Plan for the Gifted: Compliance Requirements
State Law 19 TAC §89.3(2): Curriculum and Instruction: SS4. A continuum of learning experiences is provided that leads to the development of advanced-level products and/or performances such as those provided through the Texas Performance Standards Independent study (TPSP). 

State Law 19 TAC §89.3(2): Curriculum and Instruction: SS5. Participation in the Texas Performance Standards Independent study (TPSP), or other experiences that result in the development of sophisticated products and/or performances that are targeted to an audience outside the classroom, is available through gifted/talented curricula.