OVERVIEW
The Round Rock ISD Programs for Talented and Gifted (TAG) students provide
instructional opportunities and other services designed to meet the unique
needs of students with significantly advanced general intellectual ability
and/or specific subject matter aptitude in language arts, science, social
studies and/or mathematics. These programs shall provide an appropriately
differentiated curriculum and ensure that students are instructed in all
essential elements and demonstrate and acceptable degree of mastery. As
needed, the programs will modify delivery of instruction for students by
accelerating and/or providing greater depth, more complex content, and
enrichment activities. TAG classes and/or services are available in
kindergarten - 12th grades. Teachers serving identified TAG students have
met the state requirements necessary for assignment of gifted and talented
students.
Referral
Through an open and on-going referral system, efforts are made to secure
referrals from any person familiar with a student's abilities, potential
performance, and/or past performance. Students may be referred by one of
the following: parent, guardian, student, principal, counselor, teacher,
librarian, administrator, community member, psychologist.
Campuses provide an annual fall orientation session in November for anyone
considering referring students for the TAG program.
Annual TAG Testing Timeline
JULY
Assessment/testing for students entering grades 1-12 who moved into
the district after the April 30th transfer student testing deadline
for August placement.
ONGOING
Assessment/testing for students in grades 1-12 transferring into the
district from another gifted program (with written documentation).
NOVEMBER
Referrals submitted to the campuses for January testing for
students currently enrolled in grades K-11.
THE REFERRAL PERIOD IS NOVEMBER 16 THROUGH DECEMBER 4.
PARENTS MAY PICK UP REFERRAL PACKETS AND RETURN COMPLETED FORMS
TO THE SCHOOL OFFICE DURING THIS TIME.
JANUARY
Assessment/testing for students currently enrolled in grades K-11.
APRIL 30
Deadline for assessment/testing for students in grades 1-12 trans-
ferring into the district from another gifted program.
MAY 1
Deadline for notifying parents of assessment results for
spring placement of students in kindergarten and August placement of
students in grades 1-11 who tested in January.
***TRANSFER STUDENTS***
If your child has transferred to RRISD this school year (2009/10) and was
served in a gifted program in their prior school, please contact Sherry
Yesenik regarding eligibility for TAG testing.
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PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
*THINKING SKILLS: Gifted and talented students will develop their abilities
in higher level, more complex thinking skills including critical, creative,
and productive thinking activities that are extensions of the regular
curriculum.
*SUBJECT MATTER KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Gifted and talented students will
study advanced-level content and master the major concepts, skills, and
processes of specific disciplines in which they demonstrate ability.
*RESEARCH AND INDEPENDENT STUDY SKILLS: Gifted and talented students will
develop the skills necessary for self-directed learning, conduct independent
studies, research projects, and extend the regular curriculum to produce
advanced-level products.
*SELF-CONCEPT AND LEADERSHIP: Gifted and talented students will gain an
understanding and respect for each person's abilities, recognizing the
similarities and differences between themselves and others, and will develop
their own unique abilities for the betterment of both themselves and others.
VISION STATEMENT
"The Round Rock Talented and Gifted Program will provide an environment
where each gifted student's unique learning, social, and emotional needs are
recognized and responded to by informed, capable individuals/"
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Characteristics of Gifted Children
Children Who Are Gifted in Language Arts...
* Play with language orally or in writing
* Love language
* Pursue activities both in and out of school related to language
* Love to read and read books significantly (three to four years) above
grade level
* Write spontaneously without prodding
Children Who Are Gifted in Mathematics...
* Have an extraordinary interest in numbers, their manipulation, use, and
application
* Are fascinated with numbers and demonstrate unique approaches to
mathematical problem solving
* Apply without assistance what he/she has learned about numbers and
mathematics to everyday life
Gifted Learners May Possess the Following Traits
* Be intellectually curious, innovative, and playful with ideas
* Enjoy the challenge and involvement of intellectual and creative tasks
* Have a keen and sometimes unique sense of humor
* Develop attitudes and interests at an early age which lead to divergent
and nonconformist behavior
* Formulate abstractions and show facility in moving form concrete to
abstract levels of thinking and of communicating
* Prefer complex tasks and process information in complex ways
* Read at an early age and comprehend with advanced comprehension
* Read widely and intensively in areas of special interest
* Acquire basic skill rapidly with minimum practice
Things to Consider When Referring:
* Maturity of your child (especially for primary)
* Learning style of your child (self-directed, able to handle open ended
tasks and long range planning)
* Length of testing (especially for younger children, 6-8 hour process)
* Nationally-normed tests scores are valid for 2 years
(Please note that a student won't necessarily have all of these
characteristics, but will have a majority.)
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