San Angelo ISD Holds Annual TRIYS Symposium for Gifted and Talented Students

San Angelo ISD elementary students in our Gifted and Talented (GT) program presented their months-long research project of their own selection as part of this year's Dr. Carol Ann Bonds Texas Research Institute for Young Scholars (TRIYS) Symposium in January, February and March. The TRIYS Symposium was started by former SAISD Superintendent Dr. Bonds to give GT students the opportunity to do research and develop the attributes within the SAISD Learner Profile of communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creation. 

“Each year we look forward to our GT student presentations over their research of topics that interest them. It never ceases to amaze our judges the variety and creativity in the students' projects,” said SAISD Director of Advanced Academics and Fine Arts Tiffany Huebner. “This year we saw students who wanted to be problem solvers. Many students wanted to find unique solutions in everything from the environment to helping people in their day to day lives. Student’s creativity and imagination was apparent in the choice of topics and development of ways to present their learning. We are very proud of our learners and hope the TRIYS projects instill a thirst for knowledge so they will be lifelong learners.” 

GT students in 1st through 5th grade begin the process in the fall, learning research skills, collaborating with other GT students and choosing a topic that aligns with their individual passions. As part of TRIYS planning and preparation, students learn various ways to research their topic like conducting their own tests for data and learning how to find reliable sources of information. 

Once the students select the topic of their passion project, they collaborate with a mentor who is an expert on the topic to ask questions and learn more regarding their topic. Students then gather their research into a presentation and use aids such as prototypes, web pages, videos and some even used coding skills to address ways their topic can make a difference. 

This culminates in the TRIYS Symposium presentation where they share what they have learned in their passion project research. Students present to guest judges from the community at the Symposium, including students from Central High School and Lake View High School and district administrators. The practical experience of presenting on their topic is an intentional aspect of the TRIYS Symposium to hone public speaking and communication skills while building confidence.

The GT program and TRIYS Symposium also give our students an idea of what advanced academics will look like at the next level of their education as well as provide opportunities to collaborate with other GT students. 

Congratulations to all our students who presented their passion projects at this year's TRIYS Symposium, a capstone for months of growth and learning! Student hard work and passion for their topics was evident, and fully embodied the characteristics of the SAISD Learner Profile of communication, creativity, collaboration, and critical-thinking. We extend a special thanks to our SAISD staff who help develop and cultivate the talents of our students, and our guest judges and high school students that helped to make it an impactful experience. The TRIYS Symposium is one more way SAISD supports the hopes and dreams of our students, and celebrates all the ways our students are smart.

To learn more about our GT Program visit our website here. Follow the San Angelo ISD Facebook, Twitter, and website, www.saisd.org, to stay up-to-date on San Angelo ISD.