The state of Oregon passed the
Talented
and Gifted Education Act in the 1987 legislative session
and phased in its implementation in the 1990-91 and 1991-92
school years. The mandate is based on sound principles and research
regarding the needs of talented and gifted students, but has
been a dramatic shift in thinking for parents, educators and
students.
Instead of requiring a one-size-fits-all pull-out or enrichment
program, the law speaks directly to assessing individual needs.
The regular classroom teacher has become a major player in
providing appropriate services and is asked to look at each
TAG student individually. The mandate has also made it necessary
for school districts to be both creative and flexible in their
procedures and services for TAG identified students.
School District 4J continues to meet the challenge of the
TAG mandate and its own TAG
policy by providing a wide array of options for all of
its students, K-12, and by assisting classroom teachers in
addressing the level and rate of learning for TAG students.
