Governor's School of Texas

The Governor's School of Texas, formerly the Texas Honors Leadership Program (THLP), is a summer program for academically talented high school students from Texas, who have completed their sophomore or junior years. 100 students are selected each year and scholars, who are nominated by their senior counselors, are invited to serve as junior counselors for the following year. Held at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, the School is an intensive three-week residential program. The program’s curriculum is designed to develop skills in creativity, problem-solving, leadership, negotiation and conflict resolution, higher-level thinking, research and study skills and ethical decision-making. [ [http://www.lamar.edu/newsevents/newsarchive_over0030/2193_5531.htm Life-changing experiences found in leadership program ] ] As an incentive to foster creativity, the program includes no grades or academic credit.

After classes conclude each afternoon, scholars participate in artistic and athletic activities, including drama, dance, instrumental ensemble, tennis, cross country, strength training, basketball, football, volleyball and cricket.

History

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) established the Office of Gifted and Talented Education in 1976 and developed the first state plan for Gifted Education in 1981 and funded the the Texas Governor's Honors Program. From 1986 until 1988, the program was held at the University of Texas at Austin, and in 1989, the program was not held. The Texas Commissioner of Education Dr. Tom Kirby asked Dr. Sisk at Lamar University to plan and develop a Governor’s Honors Program, and from 1990-l999 the Texas Governor’s Honors Program was held at Lamar. Funding from the Texas Education Agency was withdrawn for 2000-2002; however, Lamar University decided to continue the program by seeking funding from private foundations and individual donors to support the program; and the program was renamed the Texas Honors Leadership Program. In 2008, once again under funding by the TEA, the program reemerged as the Texas Governor's School.

University of North Texas

In 2003, another Governor's school, focusing on science and technology, was established at the University of North Texas in Denton. A 3-week program, the School focuses on enriching and developing a student's abilities in science and technology as well as exploring the impacts of these fields on past, present, and future societies including ethics, history, and the arts. [ [http://web3.unt.edu/tgs/ The Texas Governor's School ] ]

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