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Fort Madison High School TAG Program Overview

Fort Madison High School TAG Program Overview. Areas of Focus What is the definition of “gifted,” and how are students identified? What does FMHS have to offer gifted students? What are the needs of the gifted students? What is a Personal Education Plan (PEP)?

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Fort Madison High School TAG Program Overview

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  1. Fort Madison High School TAG Program Overview

  2. Areas of Focus • What is the definition of “gifted,” and how are students identified? • What does FMHS have to offer gifted students? • What are the needs of the gifted students? • What is a Personal Education Plan (PEP)? • What are some resources for Parents?

  3. What is the definition of “gifted,” and how are students identified?

  4. Definition of a Gifted Student • State of Iowa: • Gifted and talented students are those identified as possessing outstanding abilities who are capable of high performance. Gifted and talented children are children who require appropriate instruction and educational services commensurate with their abilities and needs beyond those provided by the regular school program. (IAC 257.22)

  5. Identification of Gifted Students at FMHS The following are the areas we look at when identifying TAG students: ITBS or ITED scores- 90% composite score on latest test IQ score of 125 or higher GPA- 3.75 or higher after two semesters Teacher/Parent recommendation

  6. Many of the TAG students are identified in elementary; however, there are some students that are new to the district or may have been overlooked in the original screening process. • It is possible for a student to be in both the Special Education program and the TAG program at the same time. Students that struggle in one area may be gifted in another. In addition, students with psychological challenges such as, ADD/ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or Autism can be gifted. Actor Tom Hulce as Mozart

  7. What does FMHS have to offer gifted students?

  8. What specific TAG classes do we have at FMHS? • Advanced Pursuit Classes at FMHS • 1.Distinguished Writers- Their Lives and Works— This is a project-driven class for grades 10, 11 and 12. There will be two major projects, with one focusing on classic authors. This course may be repeated for credit. (1 credit reading) • 2. Issues in American Society- This is a project- driven class for grades 10, 11 and 12. There will be two major projects, with one focusing on an issue prevalent in American society. This course may be repeated for credit. (1 credit writing or social studies) * TAG students are a part of the makeup of general education classrooms as well as the above mentioned classes.

  9. In Addition • Honors Math & Science Classes • Compacted English • Independent Study • Dual Credit classes • Personal Education Plans (PEP)

  10. What are the needs of the gifted students?

  11. Gifted students have unique needs that must be met. • They have a need to be challenged. • They have a need to be with other gifted students. • They need to know that it’s ok to be smart. • Teens in our society generally do not value intellect. Prowess and good looks are more important. As a result many gifted students are made to feel that there is something wrong with them. • Often times gifted students struggle with perfectionism.

  12. Society, especially teens buy into the idea that it is ok, to look down on someone who is smart. • The social pressure tells kids, it is not smart to be smart. Prowess and good looks are valued over intelligence. • Even though this article is promoting gifted education, the picture suggests that there is something unnatural about being smart.

  13. Everywhere kids turn, even in the mainstream media, they are told that it is ok to make fun of those who are smart. It is not politically correct to poke fun at someone because of their race, religion, gender, size, ethnic background, yet it is accepted practice to make fun of those who are considered intelligent.

  14. Many students see their senior year as a time to take a break, coast to graduation, or ease off. I like to compare this to sports. In sports your senior year you want to be on your best game so that you will be noticed, and increase your potential for scholarships. Then why would you not want to be on your best game in academics?

  15. What can parents do to help meet the needs of their gifted student? • Encourage them to develop a love of learning. • If your child is a perfectionist, let he/she know that is is ok to make a mistake. Mistakes are part of the learning process. We learn from our mistakes. • Work with teachers and counselors to make sure that students are being challenged and are on a track to prepare them for post secondary education or training. • Let your student know that it is smart to be smart!

  16. What is a Personal Education Plan (PEP)

  17. The purpose of a Personal Education Plan or PEP is to help ensure that students’ needs are being met in the general classroom setting. • We also use these to set goals for the year as well as discuss post secondary plans, and options. • If students are not performing where they should be academically, then the PEP is a place to make a plan to address the issue(s) that the student is struggling with. • If Necessary, the PEP may include behavior modification to help the student stay or get back on track.

  18. Sample of information on a PEP FMHS TAG PEP Student Name___________________________________ D.O.B.________________ Date____/______/_____ Identification results: Test scores Composite____________ Break down___________ GPA Teacher/ Parent recommendation Strengths, interests and preferences of this individual Parents’ concerns for enhancing their student’s education Post high school plans Action Plan Desired Goal: Goals achieved through: Curriculum modifications Scheduling Grouping modifications Instructional strategies modifications Counseling assistance Other modifications Behavior plan Behavior that needs modification of intervention: Reasons: Student Parent Teacher Goal: Steps to achieve behavior goal

  19. What are some resources for Parents?

  20. Recomended Resources on the Web for Gifted Students • Iowa Talented and Gifted- www.iowatag.org • National Association for Gifted Children- www.nagc.org • Belin and Blank Center- www.education.uiowa.edu/belinblank/ • Hoagies Gifted Education Page- www.hoagiesgifted.com • Dr. Sylvia Rimm www.sylviarimm.com * Great source for underachieving students

  21. Conclusion • It is a common misconception that children on the higher end of the spectrum are already smart, that they will naturally learn, and that they do not need extra services. • Sadly, gifted education is often seen as a luxury. • This is a group of students who have unique needs. They are entitled to an appropriate education the same as any other student. • Teachers, counselors, students, and parents working together will make a difference.

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