Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP) – Teacher Guides & Implementation Supplements

Overview

This portfolio project includes a series of comprehensive lesson plans and instructional resources designed to support the implementation of the Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP)—a state-developed curriculum framework tailored for gifted and talented students. These teacher-facing materials were created to bridge the gap between the state’s broad unit outlines and the practical needs of classroom educators.

Problem

While TPSP units provide a strong foundation for advanced academic instruction, their broad and often complex scope presents a significant barrier to classroom implementation. Many educators find it challenging to translate the state’s high-level project guidelines into day-to-day instruction that is both manageable and engaging—particularly within time-constrained school schedules.

Solution

Drawing on my years of experience teaching TPSP units, I designed a suite of detailed lesson plans, student-facing materials, and instructional strategies that make these projects more accessible to educators. Each unit is broken down using the 7E instructional model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate, Extend, and Enrich), ensuring a coherent and student-centered approach to inquiry-based learning. I also developed custom student activity pages, formative assessments, and scaffolding strategies to support differentiation and enhance project outcomes.

Highlights of the Project

• Developed lesson guides aligned to TPSP standards with built-in differentiation for gifted learners.

• Created student-friendly activity sheets and templates to support project-based learning.

• Included step-by-step instructions for teachers to guide classroom facilitation.

• Integrated technology tools like Thinglink for interactive student engagement.

• Aligned assessment strategies with both state expectations and authentic performance tasks.

Skills Demonstrated

• Advanced curriculum development and backward design

• Differentiated instruction for gifted and high-ability learners

• Assessment design, including rubrics and reflection tools

• Effective lesson sequencing using the 7E instructional model

• Instructional scaffolding to support diverse learner needs

• Integration of student voice, choice, and creativity

Tools Used

• Microsoft Word (lesson development)

• Microsoft PowerPoint (visual guides and pacing tools)

• Thinglink (interactive learning objects)

Impact

This resource bank has been shared with colleagues across campuses to support effective implementation of TPSP in a variety of elementary and middle school settings. Teachers have reported greater confidence, clearer instructional direction, and increased student engagement when using these enhanced materials.