The TAG program at Chandler Oaks works primarily through inclusion rather than an exclusive pull-out program. The schedule that is posted on our website lets you know when to expect the TAG specialist to be working with each grade level.
1st/2nd Grades Only: We serve first and second grade students primarily through transdisciplinary enrichment. We focus on talent development-- developing social-emotional skills, growth mindset, and transdisciplinary skills including communication, thinking, research, and presentation skills. Students will begin use of technology to conduct research, and work on the ISP primarily as a group project.
3rd-5th Grades: TAG ELA is a combination of some pull-out time to focus on depth & complexity in a variety of written texts and media, and some inclusion time (4th grade writing). We help to find appropriate books for advanced readers, set up book clubs/literature circles, and conference with students about their reading. Differentiated writing instruction and conferences are also a focus with TAG students, as gifted students often struggle with getting their big, complex thoughts down on paper.
In Round Rock ISD, TAG Math students in grades 3-5 are accelerated through the Math curriculum at 1.5x the regular pacing (see chart below). Typically, TAG students work with their class on grade level concepts, and we work with TAG students during intervention time on concepts that are above grade level or that do not align with grade level content. As students get older, the time we need to spend with them on above grade level content increases.
The district requires TAG students to complete an independent study project each year. Each student will have an ISP binder that will go home each day and be returned to school each morning. Many elements of their project will be worked on during ISP times. Some elements will need to be completed at home. There may also be times, at the classroom teacher's discretion, when students are allowed to work on their Independent Study Projects in the homeroom classroom. This must be when other assignments are finished, during enrichment times, or when students have shown a mastery of a concept and do not need the same amount of practice as the rest of the class.
As a requirement of the TAG program, all students in grades 1-5 with a TAG Identification will participate in purposeful interest based research projects.
In addition, they have the opportunity to share their research at a RRISD district showcase in April/May.
Their project will receive a rubric for grading which will include the following categories:
Demonstrates understanding of the central idea connected to real life issues
Research reflects multiple perspectives
Includes a creative expression to real life issues
Develops innovative products/performances that align with the central idea
The rubric for the ISP can be found here