What Does TAG Look Like in MTSD?

The best gifted/talented programming ensures that students’ needs are met as much as possible all day every day. The efforts to meet these needs are ideally seamless within the classroom setting, so students may not be aware that they are receiving different work, different questions or different learning opportunities from their peers. With that, the TAG Coordinators work closely with classroom teachers to ensure that there are systems in place within the classroom when students show they are ready for a challenge. Students do not always see the TAG Coordinator for their level or work with them as the support often happens behind the scenes.

As needed for planning, team meetings as professionals can include teachers, content specialists, and the TAG Coordinator planning for instructional opportunities to meet the range of student needs. This model sets teachers and students up for success as teams of educators including the TAG Coordinator can systematically plan out lessons that meet all students’ needs based on their readiness for instruction. There are also times where the Coordinator may meet and plan with teachers one-on-one or spend time in classrooms supporting teachers and students. The involvement of the TAG Coordinator for the level varies by the situation. For example, the TAG Coordinator may help provide resources to the classroom teacher, as well as help create various systems that invite students to dig deeper in the grade-level or course content standards. The TAG Coordinator works with the classroom teacher to help them implement strategies to meet the students' needs.

An important part of meeting the needs of TAG-identified students is TAG counseling: both working directly with students as well as working with parents/guardians on the student's behalf. The TAG Coordinators are available for TAG counseling regarding academics and/or social-emotional needs of the students. Topics of TAG counseling can include such areas as academic counseling, perfectionism, dealing with stress and pressures, underachievement, etc. Any area of interest or importance to the student and/or to the parents is an appropriate topic for TAG counseling. Parents and students should feel welcome to reach out to their TAG Coordinator at any time with questions or concerns.

As educators, we appreciate and value input from parents. If you have specific concerns or information about your child at any time during the school year, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher directly. You may also reach out to the TAG Coordinator for your level for help and support. The TAG Coordinators work as a team with teachers and counselors, as needs arise.

Updated: 10/29/21