General TAG Information

OREGON TAG LAW

The State of Oregon passed the Talented and Gifted Education Act  during the 1987 legislative session, and revised them as recently as 2003 (ORS 343.407 to  ORS 343.413).  The mandate is based on sound principles and research regarding the needs of talented and gifted students.  It has required a dramatic shift in thinking for parents, educators, and students alike.  The law speaks directly to assessing individual needs of students.  The regular classroom teacher has become the major player in providing appropriate services.

The Oregon Department of Education has established a series of Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR's) which interpret the law and describe how the TAG Education Act is implemented.   Chapter 22 of  OAR 581, (OAR 581-22)   deals  with Standards for Public Elementary and Secondary Schools, and has four sections which explicitly discuss Talented and Gifted Education.

OAR 581-22-1310 discusses the identification of academically  and intellectually gifted students. 

OAR 881-22-1320 discusses the rights of the parents of such students.

OAR 581-22-1330 discusses programs and services for TAG students.

Additionally, OAR 581-22-1510 addresses guidance and counseling.

An excellent summary of these OAR's can be found at the Oregon Department of Education's  Resource Bookshelf website.

TAG Identification

The guidelines for identification and eligibility have been established by Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) which outline the specific requirements for Oregon Talented and Gifted Education. Students can be identified in the following areas:

• Academically talented in Reading
• Academically talented in Math
• Intellectually Gifted
• Potential to Perform

A student is defined as Academically Talented in math or reading if he or she is able to score at or above the 97th percentile (higher than 97% of the test population) on a total test of academic skill in mathematics or reading. These tests are designed to measure a student's learning in comparison to other students of the same age.

A student is defined as Intellectually Gifted if she or he is able to score at or above the 97th percentile (higher than 97% of the test population) on a test of cognitive (mental) ability. This test is designed to measure how an individual can solve problems that use words, numbers, and shapes. No single test score will be the sole criteria for identification.

Behavioral, learning and/or performance evidence will also be included for the identification. Concerted efforts will be made to identify students from ethnically diverse cultures, students with disabilities, and students who are economically disadvantaged.

FAQ's

What is meant by "talented and gifted"?

Though all students have unique strengths, talents and gifts, the TAG program identifies students who are intellectually gifted and academically talented in reading and math.

Define "intellectually gifted".

Students who score at or above the 97th percentile on a cognitive abilities test such as the CogAT in second grade, or an individually administered test with supporting evidence qualify as intellectually gifted. These students are "thinkers", and may or may not have advanced academic skills.

Define "academically talented".

Students who excel in reading and/or math, and who score at or above the 97th percentile on standardized subject area tests with supporting evidence qualify as academically talented. These students ofte require an advanced level of instruction and accelerated pace.

What is used to identify a TAG student?

Standardized tests, teacher and parent rating scales, anecdotal information, and work samples are used for identification. Information is gathered and an identification team meets to screen each candidate for possible identification.

What about my straight-A student? Why isn't she identified as a TAG student?

Some excellent, bright students excel in school but don't meet the state standards of 97th percentile or better on more than one standardized test. The official roster of TAG students includes those who have met the criteria, with their verbal and quantitative achievement, skill, and reasoning abilities.

TAG Characteristics -from Brainy Child.com

Characteristics, Behaviors, and Myths of the Gifted - excellent web site of information