1. GT Parent Meeting
October 16, 2017

2. GT Lead Teachers
Peter Becnel
Kathy Muston
Justin Myers
Sandra Warren

3. GT Services Offered PAP/AP course selections AP Capstone ACE Program
GT Course Credit Opportunities
GT Field Trips
Texas Performance Standards Projects

4. PAP / AP Course Selections
Weighted Credit
Grade Point Average
Class Rank
Sample Courses
Math – Geometry PAP, Algebra II PAP, PreCal PAP, AP Statistics, Cal AP
Science – Biology PAP, Chemistry PAP, Chemistry AP, Physics AP I and II, Biology AP, AP Environmental Science
Social Studies – Geography PAP, AP Human Geography, AP World History, AP US History, AP Government, AP Economics, AP Psychology, AP European History
English – English I PAP, English II PAP, English III AP, English IV AP
Other Electives – Spanish PAP/AP, AP Art History, PAP Art III, AP Art IV, AP Music Theory

5. AP Capstone
Similar to International Baccalaureate, students who participate will receive special distinctions.
Students who complete AP Seminar (11th grade) and AP Research (12th grade) and pass the corresponding exams will receive an AP Seminar and Research Certificate.
Students who complete the above, and also earn a score of 3 or higher on 4 additional AP exams will receive the AP Capstone Diploma.

6. ACE Program
Qualified students can earn a La Porte High School diploma and an Associate’s Degree from San Jacinto Junior College at the same time.
Must achieve at least an 80 in Algebra II PAP or Pre-Calculus by the end of their 10th grade year.
Must also achieve at least an 80 in two additional PreAP/AP courses during their 10th grade year.
Must have attendance of at least 95% and no SAC, DAEP, or Out of School Suspensions.
Summer classes at San Jacinto are required for two summers.
Cost is covered by LPISD and San Jacinto.
1st – 4th period classes will be at San Jacinto Central Campus and 5th – 8th period classes will be at LPHS.
Students would still be able to have the “high school” experience.

7. GT Course Credit Opportunities
Zero Period TPSP Class
Student is enrolled in class but is not required to attend the class daily.
Students are assigned to one of the four GT Lead Teachers.
Monthly progress checks expected.
Final grade assigned at end of year. (Senior student grades assigned first semester)
Weighted credit.
Check points are completed throughout the year.
A final TPSP project is expected to be presented in April.
First Period TPSP Class
Student is enrolled in the class first period which meets daily.
Opportunities to conduct their research during school hours.
Continuous feedback from GT Lead Teacher throughout the process.
Grades are given each progress report and report card.
A final TPSP project is expected to be presented in April.

8. GT Field Trips One “In-School” Field Trip – October 25, 2017
One Cultural Field Trip – Spring Semester

9. Texas Performance Standards Project
What is it?
Designed to improve the rigor and relevance of advanced academic instruction
Addresses the Texas State Goal for the Education of Gifted Students
Provides an opportunity for GT students to produce quality, innovative work
Challenges students’ communication skills, understanding of inquiry and research processes and ability to analyze and synthesize

10. What are the Project Components?
Process Log – the documentation of the in-depth research investigation
Communication – the presentation of the final product and a question-and-answer session
The Final Product – the tangible end result of the student’s project that is of professional quality
*GT Timeline Handout

11. TPSP Rubric and Grading
Projects completed for the TPSP will be judged by a panel of 3 judges. Grades are based on the TPSP High School Rubric which is provided to students in their project packet.
To receive the highest possible grades, projects should focus on creating a product that is of professional quality and is relevant to professionals in the relevant field of study. Projects which advance the field in an innovative way will be awarded the highest possible scores.
For more information, visit the TPSP website at or contact any of the GT Lead Teachers.

12. Scoring of TPSP
TPSP scores count as a weighted credit. This means that 10 points are added when calculating averages for class rank, and a full point is added for GPA.
For example:
A score of 85 is averaged in as a 95, and counts for 4.5 (instead of 3.5) points toward GPA.
A score of 95 is averaged as 105, and counts for 5.5 (instead of 4.5) points toward GPA.

13. Elements of The State Goal for the Education of the Gifted
Self-directed learning
Research
Innovative products and performances
Creativity
Advanced in comparison to other students of similar age and experience
Products of professional quality

14. What can I do to help?
Talk to your student about the TPSP/GT Course Opportunities
Complete the Participation Agreement with your student
Keep the timeline of due dates and activities in a prominent location
Stay in contact with your student’s GT lead teacher
Talk to your student about the GT services that fit with their interests, goals, and future plans!

15. For additional information about TPSP: http://texaspsp.org/
Thank you!
For additional information about TPSP: