NPR Stories on Gifted Education

There was an interesting story on the radio this morning about gifted education in Texas. If you are interested in listening, the link is here:


"In Houston's Gifted Program, Critics Say Blacks And Latinos Are Overlooked."




And a second NPR story, "Who Are The 'Gifted And Talented' And What Do They Need?"

TAG Identification, 2015-2016

TAG identification is a process that begins in the fall of every school year.  Children can be nominated by teachers or parents who think a child shows indications of "giftedness."  When a teacher or parent wants to move forward with a TAG nomination, the best place to begin the process is often during fall Teacher/Parent Conferences which take place on October 21, 22 and 23 for 2015.  Once teachers and parents have agreed to pursue TAG testing, the parent fills out the parent portion of an IDPF form (English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese) and turns the form into the classroom teacher.
IDPF forms, in a variety of languages, are located online and in front of the school office. The teacher will gather work samples and other data to support the nomination.

IDPF due dates vary from year to year.  This year, IDPFs are due on

NOVEMBER 2, 2015.

No late forms will be accepted.

Parents may choose to nominate in any (or all) of three categories: Intellectual; Reading; or Math. Bilingual students (Spanish/English) will need to test in their strongest language.

Once IDPFs and work samples have been turned into the district TAG office in November, specific tests are ordered and plans are made for the testing to take place.  Atkinson is allotted two days each winter/spring for testing.  District personnel come to the school and pull children from their classes to take the tests.  PPS also offers make-up tests for students who are sick or have emergencies that keep them from school on the assigned testing days.  Families must arrange for make-up testing through the TAG office by calling 503-916-3358.

Atkinson TAG testing will take place this year on December 7 and 8. 

Once tests are taken, they are sent away for grading. This is usually a 4-6 week process, but varies from year to year. Results are then sent to the school where the Atkinson TAG committee determines who has qualified for the program.  Letters indicating results are sent to families from the TAG Department as soon as decisions are made.

More information on the TAG Nomination and Identification Process can be found by clicking here.

OATAG Conference Coming Soon

The Oregon Association For Talented And Gifted (OATAG) is holding their fall conference on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at Floyd Light Middle School.  The conference will feature Dr. Jim Webb.  If you are interested in learning more, please find more information and registration at www.OATAG.org, and/or see the flyer on the TAG bulletin board outside of the main office.

OATAG Fall Conference

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015

9:30-4:00

Floyd Light Middle School

10800 SE Washington St.

Portland, OR 97216-3118

Identification Process Meeting

If you are interested in learning more about the TAG identification process and/or about TAG services at Atkinson school, please join us for our fall TAG meeting.  There will be a district power point presentation and a question and answer time.  In addition, there will be a PTA Pot Luck immediately following, so plan to stay and mingle with other parents.

What:  TAG Information Meeting

When:  Thursday, September 24

6:00-6:30

Where:  Atkinson Library

If you have questions, please contact Beth Essex or Ivonne Dibblee.

See you then!

Free Computers for Students!

Hello Families!
While visiting Free Geek this summer, I learned that they have a wonderful program that rewards students who log a certain number of volunteer hours with a free desk top computer.  If you are interested in learning more about this program, please click this FREE GEEK link for the flyer.