Gifted and Talented/Middle School Talents Program (TAG)
by Connie Simons
September 17, 2008
Connie Simons, 4-8 Talents Program Facilitator
The Middle School Talents Program provides extended learning opportunities for our Middle School students at three levels:
Inclusive (open to all students)
Selective (performance)
Highly Selective (performance, invitation only)
INCLUSIVE PROGRAMMING
Geography Challenge
Our 6th grade students take part in the national level Geography Challenge. This written test, given in the Social Studies classes during April, is based on content taught in 6th grade classrooms across the country.
Woodmen Oration Contest
The Talents facilitator works with 6th grade Language Arts teachers as students prepare a 3-5 minute speech about a given topic. Students present speeches to a panel of judges. The 6th grade winner is invited to participate at the AEA level contest in early April.
SELECTIVE PROGRAMMING
Advanced Math Classes
Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 who demonstrate strong mathematical performance are invited to participate in advanced math classes. These classes include the opportunity to compete in Math Olympiads in grades 6 and 7, and Math Counts in grade 8.
Seminar
The Talents facilitator works with Language Arts teachers to develop special project opportunities for students who demonstrate exceptional ability and intitiative.
Belin-Blank Exceptional Talent Search
Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 who score at or above the 95th percentile on selected subtests of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills receive information inviting them to take a standardized test comparing their skill levels to those of students at a higher grade level. Information packets are sent home with eligible students in September. The Saturday morning test is taken at an assigned Council Bluffs location in February.
HIGHLY SELECTIVE
Table Talk
High-ability readers in grades 6, 7, and 8 are invited to join lunch groups with the Talents facilitator. Conversation focuses on the affective domain, philosophy, and topics of interest to students.
Blank Summer Institute for the Arts and Sciences
The Blank Summer Institute provides talented students with an intensive and advanced two-week educational experience at the University of Iowa. Students of exceptional ability are nominated by Middle School teachers to be considered for formal application. Student applications include essays, letters of recommendation, and grade and test reports. Final selection for attendance is made by committee at the Belin-Blank center in Iowa City.
President's Education Awards
These prestigious awards are presented at 8th grade promotion to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance throughout Middle School. Awards are based on grade reports and standardized testing results.
Community Resources
Information about advanced learning opportunities are shared with qualifying students. CY-TAG offers summer study courses on the Iowa State University Campus. AD ASTRA and ARETE are held at Creighton University in Omaha.
