TAGAC meeting Tuesday 12/9 and TAG issues in the Oregonian

Just a reminder that the TAG Advisory Council (TAGAC) meets this Tuesday, December 9, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Mazama Conference room on the 2nd floor (thru and behind the cafeteria) of the BESC at 501 N. Dixon Street. This meeting is open to the public. You can see a draft agenda and previous meeting minutes at this link.

Also, take a look at "Portland schools should group students by ability: Guest opinion." There is a lively debate in the comments below the article. The Oregonian published one letter in response: "Talented and gifted kids: Letters to the Editor."

Convert OAKS test results to percentiles

If you received your child’s OAKS test scores in the mail last week, you may be wondering what those raw scores mean. The Oregon Department of Education posts conversion tables that let you convert a raw score (say, 232 in reading) to a percentile (80 percent), so you can better understand how well your child demonstrated his or her knowledge in comparison to other Oregon students.

To download the complete Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, click this link. Click a tab at the bottom of the spreadsheet to select Reading or Math scores. The scores are organized by grade, so make sure to scroll down until you see right one in the Grade column.

The 2013-2014 school year was Oregon students’ last with the OAKS tests. This year, they will take the new Smarter Balanced Assessment.

Alameda TAG meeting this Wednesday 10/22

Alameda's TAG meeting will be this Wednesday, 10/22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Library. Free childcare will be provided by Ms. Bailey in Room 106. Come with questions about identification and TAG services.

Christy Caton, our TAG coordinator, says it will be "a forum for parents who are curious about the TAG program," as well as a chance for parents of identified TAG students to "get clarification about processes and ask questions." Mr. Lurie and Mrs. VanDerWolf will be there to answer questions.

Unfortunately, our new TAG TOSA (teacher on special assignment) isn't available to attend Alameda's meeting. However, Ms. Caton will be attending a TAG Coordinators' meeting later this week and will take questions or concerns from parents to that meeting. Ms. Caton also reports that the new TAG technology specialist will be teaching tech tools during the coordinators' monthly meetings. She says, "I will be providing TAG  professional development to our staff, and will pass along any tech tips and tools as I get them."

As a reminder, the deadline for TAG student nominations is Monday November 3. Pick up a form from your teacher, the TAG bulletin board in the main hall, or from this link on the PPS website. Families will be notified of the testing schedule one or two weeks in advance. Currently, Alameda testing is scheduled for January.

Come to the TAGAC meeting this Tuesday

Want to get a feel for what's happening with TAG services district wide? The parent TAG Advisory Council (TAGAC) meets this Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the Mazama Conference Room (2nd floor behind the cafeteria) in the Blanchard Education Service Center, 501 N. Dixon St., Portland, OR 97227. Guests are always welcome. Unfortunately, no childcare is provided.

See new TAG team’s slides from the TAGAC meeting

Missed last week's TAGAC (TAG Advisory Council) meeting? Our new TAG Administrator, Erika Gillis, has posted slides from her presentation. These include introductions to all the new TAG TOSAs (teachers on special assignment) and details about the group's long- and short-term goals. Download the PDF here.

New TAG team takes the reins: Update from TAGAC meeting 9/16/14

The district TAG team has been significantly expanded. Last year the team consisted of one administrator (who was not just in charge of TAG but also “curriculum, assessment and instruction”) one instructional support person, and one administrative assistant. This Tuesday, five people greeted parents at the TAGAC meeting—and the new administrative assistant wasn’t even there! Here is the line up:

•  Erika Gillis, Senior Director Office of Teaching Innovation
•  Heather Egan, Administrative Secretary
•  Cathy Daley, TAG TOSA for Cleveland, Lincoln & Jefferson clusters (Chief Joseph, Faubion, King, Ockley Green, Vernon, Woodlawn)
•  Kathy Gaitán, Madison, TAG TOSA for Roosevelt & Wilson clusters
•  Tessalie Schulte, TAG TOSA for Franklin, Grant & Jefferson (Beach, Boise/Elliot, Jefferson HS) clusters
•  Matthew Marchyok, TAG Educational Technology  

The TOSAs (“teachers on special assignment”) will provide school support, coach teachers, attend parent meetings, and help with instructional planning to meet student needs. Notably, there are two bilingual (Spanish speaking) TOSAs and a technology specialist.

Erika Gillis said that the TAG team had moved under her direction because of “the need for greater personalization of learning.” She is a former teacher and administrator for Chicago Public Schools. Most recently, she worked as Executive Director, Pedagogy and Curriculum for Catapult Learning, an education company that provides data-based instructional services and professional development. See her LinkedIn profile here.

Short-term Goals for TAG Department

The team talked about a number of short-term goals they have for the school year, including:

• Revamping the PPS TAG Web site 
• Developing a TAG resource Web site for teachers
• Starting a TAG newsletter
• Developing digital pedagogical solutions: The technology specialist, Matthew Marchyok, said he wants to make sure teachers know how to use digital resources effectively in class. He will be leading teacher development in the use of, for example, Khan Academy’s common-core aligned tools for educators to track student progress. He also said they would also be doing pilot programs with some fee-based educational tools like BrainPop.

Long-term Goals for TAG Department

The TAG team’s long-term goals include teacher training about the needs of TAG learners, as well as updating and aligning TAG policies. Areas of focus will include flexible grouping, practices that foster complex thinking, and data analysis.

The team has reviewed the TAGAC’s Recommended Framework for Improved TAG Services in PPS and will present an update to the school board about TAG, along with the TAGAC members who helped develop the proposal.

Important Dates

Upcoming test dates mentioned during the meeting:

• October: Universal 2nd grade TAG screening takes place.
• November 3: TAG Identification Process Forms are due to school. Parents or teacher can nominate students.
• December through February: Testing scheduled for non-2nd-graders who have been nominated for TAG. School will notify families of test dates one to two weeks in advance.

PPS will send letters to families after receiving schools’ recommendations. Schools are required to make recommendations roughly two weeks after receiving scores.

Seventeen schools will pilot online TAG testing this year with an eye to moving all testing online.

It’s Time for TAG Instructional Plans

You have the right to request a TAG Instructional Plan for your child and now is the time to do it! Fill out the TAG Instructional Plan Request form and give it to your teacher. Past plans have included, for example:

• Special projects that increase the depth of instruction—these might be related to class curriculum or student interests
• Extensions, such as individual and small-group reports, off of the Passport Club geography program
• Substitution of Khan Academy work for some math homework or as an extension in class
• Participation in NANOWRIMO’s Young Writers Program in November

Your teacher and TAG coordinator will have ideas specific to your student. TAG work should take place inside the classroom as much as possible, instead of simply adding more work for the student.

You might also want to discuss single subject acceleration with your teacher.

Advisory Committee recommendations & new TAG leadership at PPS

A draft of the TAG Advisory Committee's recommendations is available at this link .

The new Administrator of the TAG Department is Erika Gillis, Senior Director Office of Teaching Innovation.

If you are interested in helping out with TAGAC or attending a meeting, check out this page  - http://www.pps.k12.or.us/departments/tag/ .

Anyone is welcome at TAGAC meetings; you don't need to be a member to attend. They can be a great way to connect with other families and impact TAG policy at the school, district and state level.

Hope the school year is off to a fantastic start!

TAG Parent Advisory Council meeting tonight!

There will be a TAG Parent Advisory Council (TAGAC) meeting tonight, May 27, from 6:30 to 8:00 in the Mazama Conference room of BESC (PPS Administration Bldg) at 501 Dixon St.

Karl Logan, the Regional Administrator for ACCESS Academy, will be talking with us about future expansion plans for ACCESS.

The committee will also be going over a draft proposal of recommendations on improving TAG Services.  It is possible there will be a vote on this.

http://www.pps.k12.or.us/departments/tag/

TAG Advisory Council update, SIG online learning app. deadline & more

The PPS TAG Parent Advisory Council page has minutes, agendas and more - please check out what the group has been working on all year!
The TAGAC is finalizing a set of recommendations for PPS and the school board.
The next meeting is May 27 and guests are always welcome.


The Summer Institute for the Gifted online learning application deadline is June 4. 
The SIG Beyond Online Learning Program is an exciting 8-week online program for Gifted and Talented students. Open to students age 7 - 14.
 Click here for more information. 

Saturday Academy's TAG Challenge camp happens soon
Entering grades 4 & 5, June 23-27 at Reed College
Entering grades 6 – 8, August 4-8 at University of Portland
Saturday Academy’s TAG camp is designed to expand the knowledge and skills of academically and intellectually talented students. The theme for the camp this year is “My World, My Impact”. Taking on a global perspective, explore how we influence our world and how our world influences us. Choose from a variety of classes that will take you on an unforgettable journey where we ask questions, confront challenges, and seek solutions.

TAG 101 meeting is May 21

Families of newly-identified TAG students, please mark your calendars - 

TAG 101 Meeting
Marshall High School
Wednesday May 21, 2014
6:30 - 7:30 PM

Spring meeting for parents of TAG students identified in the 2013/14 school year. We introduce parents to district staff, discuss what to expect for services in the classroom, and discuss rights and responsibilities. More information will be sent to parents along with the 2013/14 TAG identification letter and information.

Also at TAG 101 - the TAG parent advisory council will present an update on its activities.

A video of last year's meeting can be viewed here - 2013 TAG 101

TAGAC Meeting Tues. - All Welcome

Here is your friendly reminder of the next TAGAC meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 4/8 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the BESC (District Administration Building) at 501 N. Dixon St, 97227 Mazama Room (second floor).

This meeting will focus on committee work and lively discussions including Differentiation. Please visit http://www.pps.k12.or.us/departments/tag/ for additional information or with questions about TAG services or the work of the Portland Public Schools TAG Advisory Council.

Brenda Ray Scott (adept_diva@hotmail.com)
Communications (Volunteer), Portland Public Schools – TAG Advisory Council Board member (Volunteer), Oregon Association of Talented and Gifted (OATAG)

Notice from PPS on this year's scores

"The PPS TAG Office is asking parents for their patience this year in receiving testing results.  This year our tests were sent back to the East Coast for scoring and norming, which has slowed the process quite a bit.  Also, due to inclement weather, both here and on the East Coast, shipping was delayed in both January and February.  Therefore, parents may not receive letters from our office until very close to or after Spring Break."

TAGAC Meeting Tuesday

The next TAGAC meeting is next week, on Tuesday March 11 from 6:30 to 8:00pm. All are welcome.

It is at the BESC (501 N. Dixon St.) as usual, but the room has changed to:
WyEast Conference Rm on L1 (basement)

The agenda is available here:
http://www.pps.k12.or.us/departments/tag/9092.htm
FYI, several more members have been appointed over the past few months and we now have a full 12 members. If you are interested in helping produce committee recommendations that will be sent to the SUPERINTENDENT and the SCHOOL BOARD at the end of this year, it is CRITICAL that you ATTEND THIS MONTH and JOIN A COMMITTEE. Next month will be too late for this year. You do not have to be a member to join a committee.

We are currently looking for volunteers on:
Differentiation Committee
School TAG Budget Committee
Equity Committee
Communications Committee

I would also like to announce that historical meeting minutes are now available. In particular, all minutes from last year can be found here:
http://www.pps.k12.or.us/departments/tag/9094.htm
Some minutes from earlier years can be found here:
http://www.pps.k12.or.us/departments/tag/9095.htm
Definitely good reading if you want to know what the TAGAC is interested in these days.
-Mark Feldman, TAGAC chair

March Family Science Nights!

Family Science Nights are March 10, 12 and 13 - 

"Looking for an opportunity to explore science with your children in a fun and relaxed way? Consider signing up for our next session of Family Science Nights! The Science Team designs the experiments and does all of the set up and clean up. You and your child just show up, engage in some good hands-on science fun, and learn something interesting and new together.

The theme for March is Programming. The sessions are open to all Alameda students and a parent or guardian. Each family is invited to attend one of the three nights in March. Activities run from 6:30-8:00 PM (in the cafeteria).

You can register by clicking on this link: alamedaschool.org/alamedascience.php Please note that space is limited – so register early."

Thank you to the amazing team that sets up these nights.

Still time to send emails to Ore. School Funding Task Force

From Oregon Association of TAG -

(UPDATE - The Task Force Meeting has been delayed so there is more time to send in letters about your education funding priorities.  OATAG is spreading the word to encourage families to advocate for TAG students in the state.)

The Oregon School Funding Task Force will be meeting this year to take public testimony on the State funding formula for education. The members of the committee are important policy makers.

This may be our best chance to get TAG funding included in legislation next session.

This is likely to be a crowded and busy hearing. Instead of testifying in person, OATAG strongly recommends sending written testimony to the committee staff member:

jan.mccomb@state.or.us 

Let her know that your message is intended as testimony for the hearing.

Your testimony should be short and concise. Express your views about the TAG funding based on your own experience. Include your name and address and any relevant status information. Names and addresses will be redacted.

It's February So...Summer Camp Links Are Up!

Saturday Academy now has details on its summer 2014 camps, including the TAG Challenge Camp -
http://www.saturdayacademy.org/ The summer TAG Challenge camps are for kids entering grades 4 through 8 and are held at Reed College and The University of Portland.

The National Assn. of Gifted Children has a directory of summer camps for gifted kids here .

We'll post links to more camps as information comes in - feel free to send suggestions to alamedatag@gmail.com .

ACCESS info. and tours

ACCESS Academy Alternative program has posted information on its information nights, tours and question hotline -

http://www.pps.k12.or.us/schools/access/

Message from Ore. Assn. of TAG on Task Force Hearing

"The Oregon School Funding Task Force will be meeting next week to take public testimony on the State funding formula for education. Below is a list of the members of the task force and the meeting announcement. The members of the committee are important policy makers.

This may be our best chance to get TAG funding included in legislation next session.


This is likely to be a crowded and busy hearing. Instead of testifying in person, I strongly recommend sending written testimony to
the committee staff member:

jan.mccomb@state.or.us .

Let her know that your message is intended as testimony for the hearing.

Your testimony should be short and concise. Express your views about the TAG funding based on your own experience. Include your name and address and any relevant status information--for example, "a parent of an Oregon public school student" "an elementary school teacher", "a resident of Woodburn" or "a small business owner" .

OATAG will provide evidence on the trends in state funding over the past decade and provide a copy of the Task Force report "Quiet Crisis".

Letters written by students are always especially welcome.

The Task Force on School Funding was established by HB 2506 (2013). Its directive is to “make recommendations regarding possible modifications to the funding formulas used to distribute State School Fund moneys to school districts and education service districts.”

Task Force Membership:
The task force consists of 13 members. The Speaker of the House appoints two members; the Senate President appoints two members; and the Governor appoints 9 members. The Governor’s appointees shall be persons who represent school teachers, school administrators, school district business managers, district school board members, and education service districts.

Task Force Members
Senator Richard Devlin
Senator Fred Girod
Representative Betty Komp
Representative Sherrie Sprenger
Kelly K. Devlin
John W. Hayes, Jr. PhD
Claire S. Hertz
Steven G. Isaacs
Sena E. Norton
Bobbie Regan
John M. Rexford
Heidi A. Sipe
Michael D. Wolfe

A report from the task force must be submitted to interim committees related to education no later than October 1, 2014.

Task Force on School Funding
Date
:
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Time:1:00–4:00pm
Place: Hearing RoomB
State Capitol Building
900 Court Street NE, Salem OR
Public Testimony"

Gifted education funding restored in federal budget bill

From Edweek -

Gifted Education, Special Education See Funding Increases in Federal Budget Bill

"The federal budget bill is being lauded by early childhood education supporters for its large boosts to Head Start, but the bill is also receiving praise from gifted education advocates for restoring funding to the Jacob Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act, which was defunded by Congress in fiscal 2011.

Congress set aside $5 million for the program, which supports applied research to develop classroom strategies for identifying and serving gifted students. The money has been used for such projects as: identifying preschool students from racial and ethnic groups traditionally underrepresented in gifted education; developing appropriate programs for gifted students with learning difficulties; and improving professional development for teachers.

However, the funding for the act has been on a downward slide since its peak of $11.25 million in 2002 until it was finally zeroed out, so the renewed interest in the program has been welcome, said Jane Clarenbach, the director of public education for the National Association for Gifted Children, in Washington. "

OATAG presentation in Woodburn on Jan. 15

The Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted and the Woodburn School District are sponsoring a free presentation about TAG student underachievement on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at the Woodburn High School. Call 503-983-4290 for an interpreter.

You do not need to be a Woodburn resident to attend.

6:30 to 7:20 PM English
6:30 to 7:20 PM Russian
7:30 to 8:20 PM Spanish

Noche de padres de estudiantes de alta capacidad y los talentosos y dotados

http://www.oatag.org/Resources/Documents/Meet-ups/2014-01-15-Woodburn/Woodburn_2014-01-15.pdf

TAGAC meeting Tues. night - all welcome

The next TAG parent advisory committee meeting is Tues., Jan 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Blanchard building - 501 N. Dixon.

New members will be appointed and Director of Instruction Kimberly Matier will brief the committee on the TAG professional development set for this year. Subcommittees (differentiation, equity, curriculum and communication) are working on a recommendation report that will be delivered to PPS and the board at the end of the year.

TAGAC is still looking for members as the committee can have up to 18 (it's now at less than 10). If you cannot attend the monthly meetings, you can still help. Please spread the word and contact Mark Feldman at ppsmark@feldmark.com if you are interested or know someone who is.

Guests are always welcome at TAGAC meetings!

Edweek article on gifted learners & Common Core

This Edweek article on differentiation & Common Core came out before the holidays --

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2013/10/30/10cc-gifted.h33.html

"Common Core Needs Tailoring for Gifted Learners, Advocates Say"

ACCESS application period

From ACCESS Academy -

2014-15 application season coming soon. ACCESS will experience significant growth next year, particularly at 3rd and 6th grades. We expect to accept at least 80 new, highly-gifted ACCESS students next year, compared to this year’s 63. We will have at least some openings at each grade level 1-8 next year. 

Applications and more info. will be posted by Jan. 17 at http://www.pps.k12.or.us/schools/access/

District single subject acceleration policy

The PPS single subject acceleration (SSA) policy is now up on the district website -

http://www.pps.k12.or.us/departments/tag/1394.htm

Some testing requirements have changed to address Common Core. The requirements for single subject acceleration differ from the one for whole grade acceleration. Schools are required to treat all acceleration requests - including SSA - individually (i.e., schools cannot dismiss requests due to scheduling challenges). The current policy allows SSA decisions at the beginning or end of the school year.

It's important to give teachers and admins time to gather information to support an SSA request (June or Sept. are not ideal). Thanks to the TAG parent advisory council and Dr. Kimberly Matier for posting the policy.