Talent Development

  • All students in the TAG program are required to participate in Talent Development each year

  • Talent Development includes:

    • The production of an advanced level research project

    • Social and emotional lessons and support

    • Differentiation inside the homeroom with their cluster teacher

    • Skill development in core content areas such as science, social studies, reading, writing, and math

    • Opportunities for creativity and discovery

    • Placement in a homeroom class with a TAG certified teacher clustered with other TAG students

    • Critical thinking utilizing Think Law



  • Advanced Level Research Project (ALPPS):

    • TEA and RRISD require students to complete an Advanced Level research project (ALPPS) each year. It is expected that they work on their project whenever they have finished their classwork in their homeroom, during enrichment times, or when the student has shown a mastery of a concept and does not need the same amount of practice as the rest of the class. These projects are meant to be student driven and done at school. If the student is consistently needing to bring work home a conference will likely be requested with the homeroom teacher, parents and students to work together to support the student.

    • TAG students will be asked to present their final project at a district showcase



  • ALPPS project expectations in 1st grade:

    • In the Fall students will participate in a whole group class project facilitated by the classroom teacher

    • In the Spring students will drive an independent passion project. This is the project that is graded using the ALPPS rubric (see link above). Students in 1st grade are expected to:

      • Pick a topic and relevant guiding question

      • Locate a variety of sources (books, websites, videos, magazines) that pertain to their topic

      • Record relevant notes related to their assigned main ideas

      • Record basic sources

      • Plan, create and share a presentation (various options given) that shares what they've learned and answers their guiding question

      • Reflect on learning and next steps


  • ALPPS project expectations in 2nd grade:

    • In the Fall students will participate in a whole group class project facilitated by the classroom teacher

    • In the Spring students will drive an independent passion project. This is the project that is graded using the ALPPS rubric (see link above). Students in 2nd grade are expected to:

      • Pick a topic and relevant guiding question

      • Locate a variety of sources (books, websites, videos, magazines) that pertain to their topic

      • Record relevant notes related to their assigned main ideas

      • Record basic sources

      • Plan, create and share a presentation (various options given) that shares what they've learned and answers their guiding question

      • Reflect on learning and next steps


  • ALPPS project expectations in 3rd grade:

    • In the Fall students will participate in a whole group class project facilitated by the classroom teacher

    • In the Spring students will drive an independent passion project. This is the project that is graded using the ALPPS rubric (see link above). Students in 3rd grade are expected to:

      • Pick a topic and relevant guiding question

      • Locate a variety of sources (books, websites, videos, magazines) that pertain to their topic

      • Record paraphrased notes related to their chosen main ideas

      • Record basic sources

      • Plan, create and share a presentation (various options given) that shares what they've learned and answers their guiding question

      • Reflect on learning and next steps


  • ALPPS project expectations in 4th grade:

    • In the Fall students will participate in a whole group class project facilitated by the classroom teacher

    • In the Spring students will drive an independent passion project. This is the project that is graded using the ALPPS rubric (see link above). Students in 4th grade are expected to:

      • Pick a topic and relevant guiding question

      • Locate a variety of sources (books, websites, videos, magazines) that pertain to their topic

      • Record paraphrased notes related to their chosen main ideas

      • Record sources

      • Plan, create and share a presentation (various options given) that shares what they've learned and answers their guiding question

      • Reflect on learning and next steps


  • ALPPS project expectations in 5th grade:

    • The IB Exhibition project is a requirement for our 5th grade students. Our students are required "to participate in a collaborative, transdisciplinary inquiry process that involves them in identifying, investigating and offering solutions to real-life issues or problems."

    • Our students will plan the exhibition, gather materials, record and reflect, and finally present the exhibition to the COE community.

    • Our students will be rigorously monitored throughout the process. Students will keep an individual learning journal. The teachers will keep anecdotal records of student work and performance. Other permanent records of the exhibition will include the I.B. planners, photographs, video, and website based documents.

    • TAG teachers will support the 5th grade teachers as mentors through this exhibition process.

    • TAG students will also be supported in completing recorded student interviews with professionals related to their project.