Teaching and Learning

About Talented & Gifted (TAG) Services

According to Illinois School Code Section 14A-20: “Gifted and talented children” means children and youth with outstanding talent who perform or show the potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared with other children and youth of their age, experience, and environment. Oak Grove recognizes the state use of the terms gifted education and gifted students, and the existence of a population of our students who demonstrate actual or potential extraordinary talent.

We believe we are responsible for providing optimal educational experiences for talents to flourish, and doing so is of benefit to the individual and community. As referenced in the district mission and vision, Oak Grove believes high ability cuts across all demographics. We are committed to supporting all students through an on-going search for differentiated services.

We believe in nurturing the talents of all learners enriching their daily experiences through talent development. Once per week, the enrichment specialist visits all K-3 classrooms to provide a 30 minute talent development lesson using the Primary Education Thinking Skills (PETS) resource.

Beginning in grade 4, daily replacement services are offered in English language arts, mathematics or both content areas. 

Identification

The goal is to match student’s ability and achievement to the appropriate course to maximize learning. We strive to minimize steps in the process to correctly place students in courses. We use "targets" to cluster students into appropriate courses, but we use a profile approach to consider each child's relative strengths to err on the side of inclusion rather than exclusion. Gifted screening begins with reviewing student achievement which includes i-Ready diagnostic scores and CogAT scores for students in grades 3 and 5. A regular review of student data ensures that students are most appropriately serviced and the course is meeting the student's needs. We realize there is a full picture to a student's success in school, and sometimes a consideration of other factors is necessary. To ensure smooth delivery of curriculum, students will not be moved in and out of gifted services during the school year.

An audit of Oak Grove's gifted services concluded in Spring 2024. Please view the presentation for a comprehensive explanation of the adjustments to gifted services including the identification process and courses offered. 

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