Seniors Glynn Gallaway, Hugh “Stu” Mair, Jolen Martinez, and Ben Omonira attended the Ignite Passionate Learning: Independent Study for Secondary Students Program Options and Design on April 4.

“This event was a breakout session at the state conference of the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented 2016 Leadership Conference, in Fort Worth, Texas,” GT coordinator Pam Brooks said.

Brie Smith, district director of advanced academics, and Pam Simmons-Brooks, independent studies coordinator, facilitated a panel discussion.

“The independent studies students went to show superintendents and GT coordinators the values of independent studies and how it’s beneficial for one’s district,” independent studies student and senior Ben Omonira said. “We also showed a glimpse of what we are studying to give them a few clear cut examples.”

The description of the breakout session in the conference catalog was: Learn how one district is transforming its Independent Study course.

“We review their approach to class structure, student research, community outreach, and strategic steps to advocate for the course,” Brooks said. “Also we heard from students about the impact of Independent Study.”

The presentation opened up with a question and answer session of the teachers asking the students questions.

“The questions showed they were interested,” Omonira said. “Answering their questions as well as displaying how far we have come in is really made me enjoy the conference.”