It is required by the state of Texas for middle schoolers to take TPSP, or the Texas Performance Standards Project. The tasks reflect independent work, research, and solutions of individual students on their topics, whether it be creating a business, writing a story to send to a publishing company, or writing a research journal on a recent medical breakthrough. It is designed to generate a sense of excitement for learning new information and exploring various careers. The tasks are quite open minded and house minimal limitations. Students are encouraged to show their full potential of creativity, and unlike science fair and history fair, these projects are not judged and given prizes, which can discourage people and lower their self esteem.

In addition to demonstrating your full potential, TPSP is also designed to enhance your research skills, preparing you for high school and college. Students must gather all their information and research to create a final product, one that reflects their immense efforts, and they will deliver a 15-20 minute presentation to their mentor, while other students are welcome to come and observe. According to the middle school Art/Art1 teacher, Ms. Tata, TPSP is worthwhile, but “a little obtuse.” Ms. Tata was asked if the ‘positives’ of TPSP outweigh the ‘negatives.’ She responded, “It’s the first year the guidelines aren’t very specific, and usually teachers want to monitor grades, but this leaves it all to you. In theory, it’s really great; we should have started this earlier.”

However, from another point of view, TPSP is an unnecessary waste of time that is completely uncalled for. Several people are questioning the reasoning behind TPSP, and are arguing that this project commences a great deal of time and effort, diverting attention from studying for tests, or completing major assignments that are actually being GRADED, unlike TPSP. Is TPSP really a waste of time? Would most students rather continue with science fair or history fair? Why is it that the state of Texas has REQUIRED students to do TPSP this year? Why were last year’s students not required to do it?

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