The current Science Technology program for Grades 6-8 evolved in 1988 from the original Grades 7 and 8 science program initiated in 1981. The Connections Enrichment program for Grades K-3 began in 1990, the High School Independent Studies program in 1991, and the Schoolwide Enrichment program in 1992. High School Gifted Independent Study , offered at all high schools, allows students to pursue areas of personal interest under the guidance of an assigned mentor. The AP program provides opportunities for students to take college-level course work and earn advanced placement or college credit from participating colleges and universities via examination. The trend toward increasing the number of credits a student must have to graduate has forced students to be more selective with respect to the number of courses they take for local credit.
All students tend to be more creative when they are interested or intrinsically motivated.
Research indicates that the individual interests of gifted and talented students can be accommodated more effectively if students are allowed to choose among curriculum options such as assignments and activities, work products, independent studies, and group learning settings. Many researchers recommend such independent study approaches for gifted students. The AP program, by contrast, is highly structured, requiring the use of a specified curriculum. Independent study programs provide such opportunities. State curriculum standards for Texas school districts are specified in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.