Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- What is TAG?
- What are some characteristics of gifted children?
- How do I get my child tested?
- Should I refer my child?
- My child was in TAG at their previous school. What do I need to do?
- My child was in TAG before, but does not qualify here. Why?
- I referred my child in November. When will he be tested?
- How long does testing take?
- Do they just take one test, or are there more than one?
- How will I know what days you are testing my child?
- When will I know if my child gets into the TAG program?
- Which tests will my child be given?
- Can I have practice questions?
- What are the names of the tests you use?
- Would you look at my child and tell me if she is gifted?
What is TAG?
Round Rock ISD provides programs for students who have been
identified as
talented and gifted (TAG). These students have significantly
advanced
general intellectual abilities and specific subject matter
aptitude in
language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
Services are
available in Kindergarten through grade 12 (K - 12).
What are some characteristics of gifted children?
Facts on Gifted - (based on research compiled by Dr. J. Renzulli)
MOTIVATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Becomes absorbed and truly involved in certain topics or problems.
Prefers to work independently; requires little direction from
teachers.
Is interested in many "adult problems" such as
religion, politics, sex,
race.
Stubborn in his/her beliefs.
Strives toward perfection; is self critical; is not easily
satisfied with
his/her own speed or products.
Is easily bored with routine tasks.
Needs little external motivation to follow through in work that
initially
excites him/her.
LEARNING CHARACTERISTICS
Reasons things out for himself/herself.
Has unusually advanced vocabulary for age or grade level
Wants to know what makes thing or people "tick".
Usually "sees more" or "gets more" out of a
story, film, etc. than others.
Has quick mastery and recall of factual information.
How do I get my child tested?
The TAG teacher offers a Parent Information Night in November
each year for parents who are interested in having their child
screened for Round Rock's TAG program. (Watch for a flyer to come
home in November!) Each year, parents are able to refer their
child for testing. During the Referral Period, you may request a
Referral Packet in the main office.
Should I refer my child?
We suggest that you speak with your child's homeroom teacher and
get their opinion as to whether they see gifted characteristics
in your child. Remember that gifted students are not always the
brightest student in the classroom.
My child was in TAG at their previous school. What do I need to do?
Parents of transfer students need to let our registrar know that
your child was in a gifted program at their previous school. The
registrar then requests testing scores and information from their
previous school and notifies the campus TAG teacher. The campus
TAG teacher then has 30 days in which to screen the child for our
program.
My child was in TAG before, but does not qualify here. Why?
Each school district in Texas and in different states use
different assessments, qualifiers, and criteria for their gifted
program. What qualifies in one school district does not
necessarily tranfer to another.
I referred my child in November. When will he be tested?
The testing occurs in January.
How long does testing take?
It takes approximately 6 to 8 hours to test each child referred
for the TAG Program.
Do they just take one test, or are there more than one?
According to the Texas State Plan for the Gifted, school
districts need to use at least three assessments to screen
students for the gifted program.
How will I know what days you are testing my child?
Notes are sent home with the nominee notifying parents that their
child's testing is about to begin. Exact dates and times are not
provided. Students are also provided with a note to take home
when their assessments are complete.
When will I know if my child gets into the TAG program?
Parents are notified by letter as to whether or not their child
qualifies for the TAG program in early May. Services will begin
the following school year.
Which tests will my child be given?
Your child will be given achievement tests and tests that screen
their personal reasoning ability. Teachers, as well parents are
asked to complete a scaled assessment on where they see the child
in various areas.
Can I have practice questions?
No. Sample tests are not available for students to use as that
would negate the nationally-normed scoring validity.
What are the names of the tests you use?
I am sorry, but we do not give that information out. The
district changes which assessments they use from time to time to
help remain current in testing criteria.
Would you look at my child and tell me if she is gifted?
Unfortunately, we cannot tell whether a child is gifted or not by
their appearance. Giftedness deals more with how their brain
functions and their reasoning abilities than in how they look.