Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
WHAT IS TAP? A.K.A. TALENTED ARTS PROGRAM?
Students receiving Talented Arts services must be evaluated and identified as exceptional through the Special Education Department. Talented instruction is provided in art, music, and theater. Tchefuncte Middle School houses the facilities for students identified as talented in theater. These students have undergone the evaluative process and been classified as theatrically talented. The talented theater class meets once a week for two hours. Students are pulled from their regular classroom for that time. Students gain a variety of experiences with theater during this time, including involvement in at least two productions that are performed for a variety of audiences.Back to Top
Screening Process for Talented Theater
Screening Process for Talented Theater A student is identified by his/her regular or special education teacher as having theatrical needs which are not being met in the class in which the student is enrolled. The classroom teacher may want to read the Special Education talent handout "Characteristics of a Talented Student" before actually screening for talent in her class. This will provide some examples of behavior displayed by those who have exceptional ability in theater. After the teacher has identified one or more students who appear to excel in a particular arts area, the appropriate talent screening instrument obtained from special education is completed by the teacher. Every item on the screening instrument receiving a score of four or higher must be documented with examples, or samples, of the student's work, whichever is more appropriate. The screening teacher then presents the completed screening instrument and documentation to the School Building Level Committee where the child is enrolled. The School Building Level Committee reviews the information and determines if the student is eligible for a full evaluation in talent according to Bulletin 1508 screening criteria. If it is determined that the student is eligible for a full evaluation, the pupil appraisal office of special education will complete screening procedures and assign an evaluation coordinator. The evaluation coordinator initiates the process for a full evaluation. Talented Theater Screening The student talented in theater demonstrates the following characteristics: Is effective in vocally communicating ideas, directions, and feelings to others Shows leadership in group activities, but follows when appropriate Shows emotion and feels with others in shared school experiences Shows freedom in using facial expression, gestures, and body Shows ability to focus on the activities at hand Stays with a task until it is successfully completed Shows imagination in deciding how to proceed with a problem Responds to activities in elaborate detail Shows ability to mimic physical and vocal behavior of others Volunteers to perform in front of peopleBack to Top
SUBJECT: MAKE-UP WORK GUIDELINES ADOPTED: NOVEMBER 19, 1982 The following guidelines concerning make-up work required for Talented Arts Program Students: 1. If the student has displayed skill mastery, he should be excused form further drill or practice in that area. 2. Students will be allowed at least one extra day for handing in work missed while at Talented Arts classes. 3. Assignments and materials necessary to complete the assignments (worksheets, workbooks, textbooks) will be made readily available by the teacher in order that students may complete their work. These materials should be allowed to be taken home. These guidelines should be noted in the modification needed in regular classroom section of the IEP placement page. If further modifications are needed such as compacting curriculum, cross-grading or special books or materials these should also be noted. The above policy on make-up work guidelines pertains only to public school students. Non-public schools usually have their own policy. The non-public school policy should also be noted in the modifications need to regular classroom section. These guidelines should be noted in the modification needed in regular classroom section of the IEP placement page. If further modifications are needed such as compacting curriculum, cross-grading or special books or materials these should also be noted. The above policy on make-up work guidelines pertains only to public school students. Non-public schools usually have their own policy. The non-public school policy should also be noted in the modifications need to regular classroom section.Back to Top