T.A.G. = Talented and Gifted
"Children and youth with outstanding talent who perform or show the potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment." - US Department of Education, 1993
This definition of giftedness is the broadest and most comprehensive and is used by many school districts. It speaks of talent, which includes all areas of a child's life: academic, artistic, athletic, and social. Most schools limit their definition and their programs to academics, but it is important to Oregon on performance and accomplishments.
It is not enough to just have the talent; you must be using that talent to achieve at remarkably high levels. However, this definition does also recognize that while all very talented students have the potential to achieve at high levels, some may not have yet realized or demonstrated that potential. Such students may be underachievers, twice exceptional, or represent undeserved groups who have not had a nurturing environment to bring out those talents.
Finally, this definition is a comparative one; these students achieve or have the potential to achieve at levels way above their peers.
Characteristics of Gifted Students
*Not a comprehensive list, TAG characteristics may look different in many children.
Top Resources for Parents
(Fun) Summer Programs for Students
Connect with your school administrator and/or counselor for the SMS TAG Identification Process.
"Children and youth with outstanding talent who perform or show the potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment." - US Department of Education, 1993
This definition of giftedness is the broadest and most comprehensive and is used by many school districts. It speaks of talent, which includes all areas of a child's life: academic, artistic, athletic, and social. Most schools limit their definition and their programs to academics, but it is important to Oregon on performance and accomplishments.
It is not enough to just have the talent; you must be using that talent to achieve at remarkably high levels. However, this definition does also recognize that while all very talented students have the potential to achieve at high levels, some may not have yet realized or demonstrated that potential. Such students may be underachievers, twice exceptional, or represent undeserved groups who have not had a nurturing environment to bring out those talents.
Finally, this definition is a comparative one; these students achieve or have the potential to achieve at levels way above their peers.
Characteristics of Gifted Students
- Excellent memory
- Deep, intense feelings & reactions
- Highly sensitive
- Abstract thinking, complex & insightful
- Daydreamer
- Asks probing questions
- Keen and/or unusual sense of humor
- Vivid imaginations
- Advance comprehension of word nuances, metaphors & abstract ideas
- Unusual alertness
*Not a comprehensive list, TAG characteristics may look different in many children.
Top Resources for Parents
- National Association for Gifted Children: www.nagc.org
- Center for Gifted Education: www.cfgewm.edu
- Center for Talent Development: www.ctd.northwestern.edu
- Oregon Associations of Talented and Gifted: www.oatag.org
(Fun) Summer Programs for Students
- Johns Hopkins Center of Talented Youth: http://cty.jhu.edu/summer/
- Oregon State University STEM Summer: http://academy.engr.oregonstate.edu/
- Portland State University's Saturday Academy: http://www.saturdayacademy.org/
- University of Oregon's Center for Youth Enrichment: http://uoyetag.uoregon.edu/
- Summer Institute for the Gifted: http://www.giftedstudy.org/
Connect with your school administrator and/or counselor for the SMS TAG Identification Process.
