Welcome Back!
The excitement of beginning a new school year is here! Educators are collaboratively building their communities of learning with families and students with anticipation of embarking on a year full of promise and growth. The considerable thought and energy educators extend to their students and families to create welcoming and inviting spaces for learning is noticed and appreciated. Thank you.
The Oregon Department of Education’s newly-named director, Dr. Charlene Williams, is awaiting confirmation from the Oregon Senate in September. Dr. Williams shared with staff the tenets upon which she bases her leadership, and they are good reminders as the start of the school year approaches.
The Four Bs:
-
Believing–that all students can learn and succeed. Dr. Williams framed this as it’s not that the student can’t learn, but rather that we haven’t learned how to teach the student yet.
- Remove Barriers–what is standing in the way of effective teaching and learning?
- Create a Culture of Belonging–help the students and the adults in the system feel like they belong there.
-
Broadcasting Student Voice–how are we leaning into and providing opportunities for students to have a voice in their education?
In preparation for a new and successful school year, this newsletter includes timely information and resources specific to Talented and Gifted education.
District-Level TAG Plans
Most districts submitted their TAG plans to ODE through the designated Smartsheet Form on or before June 16, 2023. For districts who continued to develop their TAG plan during the summer months, please submit your plan as soon as possible.
ODE’s TAG Specialist, Angela Allen, is continuing to provide feedback to districts. The goal is for all districts who have submitted plans to receive feedback by the end of October 2023.
As a reminder, it is now required through statute and rule, for districts to post their district-level TAG plans on their district website. Please do not wait for feedback prior to posting, and make sure the plan is easy for families to locate on the website.
TAG Identification Training Slide Decks
With much anticipation, the TAG identification training decks are now available for districts to use. As a reminder, the rule [OAR 581-022-2325 (2)(a)] states that districts shall, “Provide professional development for those responsible for identification of students who are talented and gifted.“ The slide decks were developed to align with the provisions outlined in the requirement stated above. For added convenience, the slide decks are editable and include speaker notes. Both slide decks need to be used for TAG identification professional development.
TAG Essentials - (part 1 of 2) This slide deck addresses equitable identification practices as well as programs and services for TAG identified students. Speaker notes included.
Unpacking the Rule - (part 2 of 2) This slide deck unpacks and explains the requirements for OAR 581-022-2325, Identification of Academically Talented and Intellectually Gifted Students. Speaker notes included.
OSAS Percentile Tables/Local Norms
ODE is not publishing percentile tables for the 2022-2023 school year, nor does ODE anticipate making percentile tables available in the future.
The summative assessments Oregon students take each year provides data describing students' level of proficiency in reference to grade-level standards. The scores provide a snapshot of comprehensive learning at a systems level for making decisions about learning progressions and growth for groups of students rather than student-level comparisons and high stakes program eligibility. The decision to move away from releasing percentile tables is layered ,and, at every point, ODE is focusing on rehumanizing data uses and interpretations.
We realize that OSAS percentile scores have been an integral data point in the TAG eligibility process, specifically for the identification of academic talent in reading and mathematics. Over the last five years, many districts followed ODE recommendations and transitioned to using local rather than state norms. Comparing OSAS scores of peers within district and building levels better aligns the district-offered services to the specific talent of students within each unique community. Please do not hesitate to contact Angela Allen if you have any questions regarding implementing local norms.
Update District TAG Coordinator Contact
Please use this Smartsheet Form to update your contact information. This update is now required annually as part of OAR 581-022-2500(2)(b)(A). Communication is foundational to the success and support of families and students.
Resource Spotlight
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) published a one-page reference document, I’m Not Who You Think I Am, reframing what are often perceived as negative characteristics of TAG students. The heart of this document is rooted in equitable identification practices. Additionally, there is a section in each category of characteristics that provides suggestions to best support and meet the needs of TAG students.
The National Center for Research on Gifted Education (NCRGE) published a one-page tip sheet for equitably identifying EL and multilingual students. The 15 tips published by NCRGE are based on their research findings from schools who successfully identify and serve EL and multilingual students.
Conference Spotlight
There are two upcoming conferences in gifted education. Attending one or both of the following conferences will provide multiple professional learning opportunities through breakout sessions and networking:
The Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted (OATAG) annual conference is on October 7, 2023 at Clackamas Community College in Oregon, City. The conference theme is Growth and Well-Being: Essential Elements For Gifted Children. If you are interested in attending, please visit OATAG’s website.
The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) annual conference is November 9-12, 2023 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. If you are interested in attending, please visit NAGC’s website.
|
