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Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.
If you think of something that should be included here, please email me and let me know.
Many times your question is someone else's too!
TAG is the acronym used for Sayreville's Talented and Gifted program.
What does the TAG program consist of?
The TAG program is a pullout program for grade 3 students who have demonstrated potential giftedness. During pullout lessons, students will focus on personal development, creative and productive thinking, information processing, problem solving, critical thinking, communication, and responsibility.
There are many definitions for giftedness. Children may be gifted in a variety of abilities including academics, athletics, the arts, and performance. The state of New Jersey defines gifted and talented students as "those exceptionally able students who possess or demonstrate high levels of ability, in one or more content areas, when compared to chronological peers in the local district and who require modification of their educational programs if they are to achieve in accordance with their abilities."
What criteria are used for determining eligibility for the TAG program in lower elementary grades?
ALL students may be nominated for the program by their parents or teachers. Once nomination forms have been received, students will be evaluated using multiple measures. For second graders going into third grade, these measures include: LinkIt scores, a cognitive assesment, a teacher rating scale, and a creativity test. The score from each of these is given a 1-10 rating, and inputted into a 40 point matrix. For third graders going into fourth grade, a 50 point matrix is used, and NJSLA scores are also included. The top scoring 10% of students are admitted into the TAG program.
Students who are not found eligible may reapply next year. ALL students entering 6th grade must be reevaluated.
TAG students are potentially gifted, but have not yet demonstrated giftedness to society. Being in the top 10% of students identifies them as potentially gifted.
How does a student demonstrate giftedness?
There are three components that intersect to demonstrate giftedness: above average ability, creativity, and task commitment. "It is the interaction among the three clusters that research has shown to be the necessary ingredient for creative-productive accomplishment." -- J. Renzulli
When and how long is each TAG class?
Students attend one 60-minute TAG lesson per week. They attend class with students in the same grade level, and often with students from other homerooms. The schedule is made in accordance with the various homeroom schedules. Students will attend TAG classes on the same day each week unless school was closed. Monday is used as a make-up day in the event that TAG classes were cancelled during the week.
What is the best way to reach you?
Please use my school email: [email protected] The email goes to all four schools, and I check it daily. Please do NOT leave a voicemail for me, as it is unlikely to reach me.