The Texas State Plan for the Gifted/Talented requires the following:
Opportunities are provided for students to pursue areas of interest in selected disciplines through guided and independent research. A continuum of learning experiences is provided that leads to the development of advanced-level products and/or performances (ALPPs) such as those provided through the Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP).Students will demonstrate skills in self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication that reflect individuality and creativity that are advanced in relation to students of similar age, experience, or environment.
ALPPS
Students in grades 1-5 with a TAG Identification will participate in purposeful Advanced Level Products and Performances.
During the Fall semester we will be doing THINK LAW lessons. These lessons teach critical thinking that engages learners in a loosely-scripted program that allows for learner-based instruction. Many probing questions encourage children to think about all sides of a story and how each character has a good argument. Children have deep discussions and ask a lot of questions. The older grades(4th and 5th) focus on actual legal cases. Answers to probing questions are not right or wrong- they are supported and unsupported. Children learn that it's ok to disagree! We do activities that go along with these. These are considered part of the ALPPs. Here's a BLOG if you would like to read more about it. We also include as needed. We do a variety of things such as Social Emotional Lessons (SEL), quick debates, math challenges, logic puzzles, escape rooms, and many other types of enrichment activities.
During the Spring semester, we will be doing a project of their choice. These projects are based off of the TPSP website. Each grade level will choose a project. Each project has been created into a slide deck which includes the framework, allowing for more clarity and time to focus on the research. They will cite their sources, choose a product, prepare a speech, and do a ton of research. They will be graded using this rubric. The ALPPs showcase will be at McNeil High school, the flyer will be on the main page. Kids will present their projects to lots of people! The is the main project that they have to pass in order to remain in the TAG program.