TAG IN REGULAR CLASSROOMS (TRC)

TAG in the Regular Classroom (TRC) Program:

The TRC Program offers appropriate advanced activities using strategies of Differentiated Instruction within the regular classroom.  This model is appropriate for schools with larger TAG populations.  The components of the TRC program are as follows:

• TAG students are cluster grouped with at least 7 other TAG students
• Differentiated instructional strategies in the heterogeneous classroom
  • curriculum compacting
  • tiered assignments
  • flexible grouping
  • independent study
  • acceleration opportunities
  • learning/interest centers
  • enrichment clusters
• Guided Independent Study/advanced research opportunities
• Junior Great Books Discussion Program
• William &  Mary Jacob’s Ladder Program
• Advanced Author Studies 
• Instruction and activities reflecting Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles
• Gifted Students with Special Learning Needs (GSLN) Services (selected sites)
• Off-site educational, scientific, and artistic enrichment opportunities

TAG PULL-OUT PROGRAM

Pull-out Program Overview

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The Prince George’s County Public Schools Program for the intellectually gifted is designed to meet the following objectives:

To provide regularly scheduled opportunities for students to meet with their intellectual peers;

To provide a learning environment in which instructional strategies appropriate to the unique learning characteristics of the intellectually gifted are utilized;

To provide opportunities for individuals and/or small groups to utilize advanced research/study skills in designing and conducting independent investigations on topics of student interest (passion projects);

To acquire advanced competencies in:

• higher level thinking skills
• research skills
• study skills
• communication skills
• problem solving skills
• creative thinking skills
• critical thinking skills

To develop an understanding of the purposes and processes of self and group evaluation;

CURRICULA OVERVIEW

The TAG Pull-out Program in Prince George’s County Public Schools at the elementary level is designed for TAG identified students to meet together for a minimum of two hours per week from October – June each year, 30 – 32 weeks of instruction. Students will be released from regular classes during this time. Separate groups will be maintained for primary (grades 2 and 3) and intermediate (grades 4 and 5) students.

TAG Curriculum Implementation Plan

A curriculum plan has been developed to use over a two-year period for primary TAG students and a two year period for intermediate students. This will assure that students will not repeat any of the content and that the sequence of skills followed its developmental.

Each TAG curriculum is comprised of a core focus unit, a research focus unit, and a literacy focus unit, all of which are interdisciplinary.

The curriculum materials that follow include a wide variety of topics and activities. These provide flexibility in the design of a year’s program that will meet the specific needs of each school.

Each section of the curriculum contains many activities and lessons. The level of skill development, the maturity and interests of students would be considered in the selection of specific tasks. As often as possible, students should be permitted freedom of choice in selecting specific tasks to complete.

TAG PRIMARY CURRICULUM - STRUCTURES

TAG INTERMEDIATE CURRICULUM - PERSEVERANCE

TAG CENTERS 

The TAG Center School Programs offer a full-day advanced, enriched, and intensive instructional program to meet the unique and specialized needs of highly able students. Specially selected and trained teachers provide the instruction. Students who meet PGCPS criteria for TAG identification may choose to apply through the lottery process on a space-available basis in accordance with lottery guidelines.  Placement in the TAG Center Program by lottery is based on the student’s address.

TAG Center School Program Features:

• Dedicated TAG classrooms
• Selected, trained teachers and a school-based, full-time TAG Program Coordinator
• Enriched and accelerated instruction in mathematics
• Opportunities for students to progress individually
• Laboratory approach for science instruction, including STEM Fair
• Enriched and accelerated approach to language arts utilizing advanced reading materials and The College of William and Mary Language Arts Curriculum for Highly-able Learners & Junior Great Books Shared Inquiry
• Enriched approach to social studies including a multicultural emphasis and advanced research and study skills
• National History Day research (middle school)
• World language emphasis including International Culture and Language (ICAL), and Spanish
• Gifted Students with Special Learning Needs (GSLN)/Twice Exceptional Services
• High school class offerings in middle school: Algebra 1, Geometry, and World Language Years 1 and 2
• Enrichment programs with educational, scientific, and artistic instructions
• Automatic continuity from TAG Center elementary to TAG Center middle school
• Automatic continuity option to high school program International Baccalaureate Program (students must meet qualifications for continuity)
• Opportunities beyond the school day vary from school to school based on interest