Talented and Gifted Education

 

TAG refers to Talented and Gifted programs and students. The State of Oregon passed the Talented and Gifted Education Act during the 1987 legislative session, which is based on sound principles and research regarding the academic and social needs of Talented and Gifted students. Guidelines for identification are established by Oregon Administrative Rule 581-022-2325, which outlines the requirements for Oregon Talented and Gifted Education. The law speaks directly to assessing and teaching to the individual needs of students. However, it should be noted that the OR TAG mandate is unfunded; therefore, while each school district in the state is mandated to provide TAG services, each district has autonomy over how their TAG program is staffed and funded. This accounts for the vast differences in how districts across the state address TAG.

 

In North Wasco County School District, we strive to maintain a TAG program that will enrich both the academic and social experiences of our students. When a student is identified as TAG, the classroom teacher is responsible for meeting that student's current rate and level of learning. TAG students in grades K-8 are provided with a Personalized Education Plan (PEP); a document created by their teacher(s), which identifies the student's rate/level of learning and describes accommodations made available to the student. PEPs are reviewed and revised annually through the 8th grade. High school TAG students have access to accelerated curriculum options, both on and off campus (AP classes, honors classes, advanced classes, CGCC classes & College Now classes) as well as virtual courses through Innovations Academy. High school counselors periodically check in with students to make sure they are on track, academically and personally.  They review with each student their "Personalized Learning Requirement" which focuses on HS requirements, appropriate classes, student needs, and goals beyond graduation.

 

 

Students can be identified as Intellectually Gifted (grades K-12) if they can demonstrate a significantly higher than average intellectual ability. Students can be identified as Academically Talented in math or reading (grades 1-12) and in writing, science, or social studies (grades 3-12) if they are able to demonstrate a significantly higher ability in that subject area. In either case, both quantitative and qualitative evidence is collected. Local and state testing data, along with behavioral, learning, and/or performance evidence, is generally included in the evaluation process, with no single test or piece of evidence eliminating or qualifying a student. Students who demonstrate a pattern or preponderance of evidence of exceptional performance and/or achievement are identified as TAG. Once a student is identified as TAG, they will not lose their identification based on future state or local testing or academic performance. Students can also be identified as Talented in Visual Art (grades 5-12) if they can demonstrate exceptional performance in the visual arts, determined by an evaluation of the student's art portfolio.

 

 

A student can be nominated for TAG by a parent, teacher, educational support professional, or other adult who is knowledgeable of the student by following the link on the right side of this page.  Students can nominate themselves as well.

 

 

In accordance with Oregon Administrative Rule 581-022-2330, parents of students identified as Talented and Gifted have the right:

Please Contact our TAG Coordinator:

Sonja Little

541-506-3410, ext. 3303

3601 West 10th Street

The Dalles, OR 97058