GATE
Gifted and Talented Education
Harmony School of Discovery
6270 Barker Cypress Rd.
Phone: (281) 861-5105
Fax: (281) 656-8525
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TPSP
1st Grade-Animal Nation:
In this task, students will study different animals to learn about their basic needs and the ecosystems in which they live. Students choose an animal to observe, describe, and research, determining its basic needs and how they are met. Students will then discuss different outcomes for their animals if their needs are not met (e.g., become extinct, adapt). Their learning will culminate in an “animal report” in which they will predict their animals’ future if their needs are not met and present their predictions to the class.
2nd Grade-Who's Who: A Study of Biography:
In this task, students study famous people and how they used their gifts and talents to overcome challenges and become successful. Students compare/contrast biographies of several people. In their research, they will choose a figure to study and create a timeline of the person’s life.
3rd Grade-Utopian Destination:
In this task, students imagine, research, plan and design the city of their dreams. Through hands-on activities and explorations building off of the history of the local community, students gain awareness of ways in which people in the local community and other communities meet their needs for government, education, communication, transportation, and recreation. Students compare and contrast urban and rural locations, as well as study how cities evolve over time.
4th Grade-We Are Texans:
This task allows students to study the differences between their own communities and those of others, researching what it would be like to live in other places. This project generates a deeper understanding of the population groups that settled Texas. Students will create a museum display that illustrates the contributions of the immigrant groups in Texas history. Students will also assume the role of a docent who explains the display to a group of fourth graders visiting the museum.
5th Grade-Pursuit of Passion:
This task allows students to explore the relationship between their personal interests and future opportunities. By connecting the two, students will gain well-rounded perspectives that help guide them toward professional or academic future goals.
Grade Level Projects
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The Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP) is a resource for providing differentiated instruction to gifted/talented (G/T) students (and can be used for providing enhanced academic opportunities for all students). The TPSP provides a coherent package of standards, curriculum, and assessments for use in G/T programs from kindergarten through high school.
The goal of the TPSP is to provide resources for G/T teachers and students that allow students to create professional quality work in alignment with the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students.
At each grade level, the TPSP provides guidelines for independent learning experiences and research projects that teachers can adapt and use with their G/T students. The projects, or “tasks,” are based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and focus on the foundation content areas of English language arts and reading, mathematics, science, and social studies with interdisciplinary connections.
This website provides TPSP materials for the following grade-level spans:
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Primary Grades (K-2)
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Intermediate Grades (3-5)
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Middle School Grades (6-8)
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High School/Exit Level (9-12)
For kindergarten through grade 10, the TPSP offers two or more interdisciplinary units (tasks) per grade level. Aligned with the TEKS, each task includes guided instruction and opportunities for independent research in multiple content areas. At exit level, the TPSP supports an extended independent study under the guidance of a mentor who is an expert in the student’s area of study.