Curriculum and Instruction / Talented and Gifted (TAG) / Middle School TAG Center Program
  • Middle School TAG Center Program

    Middle School TAG Center Program

    For MSDE Parent Resources, click here.

    For the Talented and Gifted Programs Brochure, click English, Spanish, and French.


    TAG SERVICES IN ATTENDANCE AREA MIDDLE SCHOOL

    The TAG services at the middle school level is an in-class Honors program.

    The following standards should be in place for a successful program:

    1. Honors Grouping - TAG students should be grouped together for instruction in Honors English, Honors social studies, and science classes. Placement in mathematics classes as determined by meeting the prerequisites for the courses, as outlined by the Mathematics Department.

    2. Honors Curriculum - The Honors curriculum extensions are developed by the content area departments in English, social studies, and science and are implemented in these classes. TAG students should be enrolled in the mathematics class for which they demonstrate readiness.

    3. Twice-exceptional learners may be scheduled in an Academic Resource Support Class - Honors Course, if specified in IEP.


    TAG SERVICES IN TAG CENTER SPECIALTY PROGRAM MIDDLE SCHOOL

    Placement in the TAG Center Specialty Program is via lottery.  The TAG Center Program is a grade 2-8 program.  Students who enter the program in elementary school via lottery placement receive continuity into the TAG Center Middle School Program.  Placement is based on the student’s home address.  


    TAG Center Lottery will open January 12, 2022 and close April 6, 2022.

    The application will be available at https://pgcpsmdc.scriborder.com/

    Students must meet the PGCPS criteria for TAG services before the lottery is run.


    TAG Center Program Schools

    TAG Coordinator


    Email Address

    Accokeek Academy

    Vacant


     


    Benjamin Tasker MS

    Janet Clarke-Green


    janet.clarke@pgcps.org


    Greenbelt Middle School


    Tracey Thisse


    tracey.thisse@pgcps.org

    Kenmoor Middle School

    Beth Novick


    bnovick@pgcps.org

    Walker Mill Middle School

    Nadine Gaujean


    nadine.gaujean@pgcps.org


    The TAG Center Middle School Program is designed to meet the unique needs of highly able students in a full-day setting.

    Components of the program includes: 

    • Full-day instructional program

    • Full-time TAG Center Coordinator at each site

    • Trained teachers selected for their interest and experience working with TAG students

    • Extracurricular and enrichment opportunities (vary by school)

    • Accelerated Course Sequence in Math that includes Algebra I and Geometry for some students. Algebra and Geometry are high school credits.

    • Implementation of Kaplan's Depth and Complexity Model across content areas.

    • Enriched approach to social studies, including participation in the National History Day research process

    • Laboratory approach to science, including participation in Science/STEM Fair.

    • World Language instruction (high school credits)

    Enriched approach to language arts including use of the following:

    • Honors Curriculum

    • Shared Inquiry/Higher Order Thinking Questioning

    • Paul’s Reasoning Model

    • Passion Projects

    • Above grade level reading material

    International Baccalaureate Continuity Information for TAG Center Middle School Students

    Diploma Programme

    What is IB?

    The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme is a globally recognized education program which prepares students for the 21st century by developing, inquiring, caring, and knowledgeable young people who help to create a better, more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The high school IB programmes in Prince George’s County Public Schools begin in 9th and 10th grades with a Pre-Diploma Programme (PDP) courses in English, World Languages, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. During these first two years, students are prepared for the rigor of the IB Diploma Programme (DP) beginning in the 11th grade and culminating in the 12th grade. 

    To achieve the prestigious IB diploma, students must score (4 out of 7) on each of the six required subject exams and complete the Diploma Programme Core requirements. The Diploma Programme Core comprises of a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, a community service project--Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and report their independent research in an extended essay.

    For additional information on IB, visit www.ibo.org and IB Program Brochure.

    Among the benefits of the IB Programme are:

    • higher university acceptance rates for IB applicants than for total population of applicants;

    • opportunities to earn college credit and advanced standing at worldwide institutions;

    • increased scholarship and grant opportunities;

    • rigorous academic program that truly prepares students for college;

    • emphasis on international mindedness and a course of study that encourages and models lifelong learning skills; and

    • access to highly qualified and trained IB teachers.

    More information about IB schools in PGCPS, visit http://www.pgcps.org/ib/. 

    Continuity to IB Program means that TAG Center students, who successfully completed the criteria below, are eligible to participate in a district IB DP without having to complete an application packet.

    Requirements for TAG Continuity:

    • completion of  TAG Center Middle School Program;

    • 3.0 GPA in Core Courses (Reading English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and US History); All 4 quarters of 7th grade and 1st quarter of 8th grade.

    • Level 1 of World Language (preferably Spanish, French, or Chinese) and Math 8 Honors or higher.

    • TAG students who meet these requirements have a guaranteed placement into the preparation phase for the IB DP in 9th and 10th grades.

    • No continuity exists for formal entry into the IB DP for 11th and 12th grades. An application and interview will be needed at the IB school.

    Timeline:

    (subject to change)

    December 

    TAG Center Middle School student record review will be completed

    February

    Pupil Accounting and School Boundaries will distribute letters regarding program options

    March  

    Deadline to accept an IB placement at your designated/boundary IB school

    April/May

    Registration by High School counselor or IB DP Coordinator for those students committing to IB

    April/May

    Placement in IB PDP courses is based on grades/courses in Middle School

    Students accepted into the IB Programme will receive transportation.

    Expectations of IB PDP Students:

    • maintain 3.0 GPA;

    • participation in high school extracurricular activities (sports or academic);

    • participation in service activities while in high school;

    • remain in the IB boundary; and

    • application/interview for entry into IB DP in 11th grade (continuity is not guaranteed).       

    For more information about the IB Programme, please contact 301-808-8275.


    For more information about the Talented and Gifted Center Program (TAG), please contact Theresa Jackson, Supervisor of TAG Programs, tjackson@pgcps.org, 301-808-3790.