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Senate Bill (SB) 934
SB 934 requires the State Board of Education to add additional requirements to the rules they adopt related to TAG student identification, including:
- Allowing any person who knows the child to recommend that a child be screened for identification as a TAG child and providing a screening for that child;
- Accepting recommendations for TAG screening throughout the school year;
- Directly informing parents of the process to recommend that a child be screened for identification as a TAG child; and
- Providing information on the school district’s website about the process to recommend that a child be screened for identification as TAG.
The Department will begin engaging with district partners to discuss and develop specific requirements in the rule making process in the coming months. Representation from districts of all sizes and regions of Oregon is needed during this process. If you are interested in participating in this engagement process, please email Angela Allen at angela.m.allen@ode.oregon.gov.
District-Level TAG Plans
As a reminder, statute and rule require that districts post their district-level TAG plans on their district website. This requirement has been in place since 2022.. Please make sure the plan is updated and easy for families to locate on the website.
TAG plans will need to be updated and submitted to ODE in 2026. The specific date has not been determined as rules regarding identification need to be updated in response to Senate Bill 934. Once a submission date has been established, a notification will be sent out in a future newsletter.
District TAG Contact Information
Every year by November 1st, all districts must submit their current TAG Coordinator contact information to the Oregon Department of Education. This requirement is part of Division 22 requirements for districts.
ODE uses the Continuous Improvement Plan Budget Narrative (CIP BN) to retrieve this information, and we post all districts’ TAG contact information on the ODE TAG webpage. If your district does not submit a CIP BN to ODE or if you’re not sure, please update your district’s TAG contact information using our Smartsheet form.
TAG Identification Training Slide Decks
TAG identification training decks are posted on ODE’s TAG webpage and are available for districts to use. As a reminder, the Identification of Academically Talented and Intellectually Gifted Students 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. There are two slide decks, and both 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.
Introducing - The Learning Lounge
The Learning Lounge is a dedicated time and space designed to foster professional growth and open dialogue among district TAG coordinators. Each session will focus on a specific topic, offering practical insights, strategies, and resources to support TAG identification and instructional services. The final 30 minutes will be reserved for an open Q&A, allowing participants to ask questions related to the featured topic or bring forward any other pressing issues they may be facing. This flexible format encourages both targeted learning and responsive support, creating a collaborative environment where ideas can be shared and challenges addressed in real time.
- New To Your Role - September 26th (Zoom) - This session will cover the mandatory training required in OAR 581-022-2325 (2)(a) which states that districts shall, “Provide professional development for those responsible for identification of students who are talented and gifted.“ Time will be provided to answer questions and network with other attendees. The following agenda is designed to provide flexibility of attendance. Please join for the entire duration or for any session based on scheduling alignment.
- Agenda for September 26th - Angela Allen will lead participants through the required training using two slide decks:
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TAG Essentials - (part 1 of 2 - 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m; Zoom) This slide deck addresses equitable identification practices as well as programs and services for TAG identified students.
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Unpacking the Rule - (part 2 of 2 - 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.; Zoom) This slide deck unpacks and explains the requirements for OAR 581-022-2325, Identification of Academically Talented and Intellectually Gifted Students.
- Open Q & A (11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Zoom) - from novice to expert, attend this session if you have questions or need clarification about TAG-related topics.
- As a reminder, the training slide decks are posted on ODE’s TAG webpage and are available for districts to use. The slide decks were developed to align with the provisions outlined OAR 581-022-2325 (2)(a)] For added convenience, the slide decks are editable and include speaker notes. There are two slide decks, and both need to be used for TAG identification professional development.
Professional Learning Needs Survey
Many districts have reached out asking for professional learning opportunities pertaining to high-leverage instructional strategies as well as a general overview of talented and gifted education. For those who have already reached out, a plan of action to provide professional learning is in development. If you are interested in receiving professional development at your district or ESD, please complete this survey which will inform a more strategic approach to providing professional learning to all regions in Oregon.
Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted (OATAG)
The president of Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted shared the following message with the purpose of disseminating to interested groups:
The Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted (OATAG) invites parents, educators, coordinators, and advocates to a day of learning, inspiration, and connection. Join us as we explore practical strategies, innovative ideas, and research-driven practices to support gifted and twice-exceptional learners across Oregon.
Discover Hidden Depths: OATAG 2025 Annual Conference
Saturday, October 11 at the University of Portland, Dundon-Berchtold Hall (Free parking available)
Conference Highlights
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kate Bachtel - Tending the Hidden Depths: Everyday Practices for Pursuing Gifted Equity
Dr. Bachtel will share research-based strategies for fostering gifted well-being, creating inclusive environments, and ensuring that every learner can thrive.
Breakout Sessions
Choose from sessions tailored for parents, educators, and district coordinators, including:
- Optimism & Gifted Well-Being – Building resilience and sparking innovation
- Leading with Purpose for Gifted Students
- Cluster Grouping & Inclusion – Practical approaches for schools
- AI in Education – Empowering gifted learners responsibly
- TAG Identification & Equity – Understanding Oregon’s new legislation
- Parent Roundtable – Connect, share experiences, and build community
Networking & Community
Meet others who share your passion for supporting gifted learners.
Visit vendors and exhibitors, and join conversations that matter.
Schedule at a Glance
- 8:30 – Registration opens
- 9:10 – Welcome & OATAG Membership Meeting (free entry for OATAG members)
- 9:25 – Keynote: Dr. Kate Bachtel
- 10:45–3:30 – Breakout sessions, lunch, networking, and vendors
Why Attend?
- Learn practical strategies you can use right away at home or in schools
- Gain insight into new research and legislation shaping gifted education in Oregon
- Connect with others who care deeply about supporting gifted and twice-exceptional learners
- Leave inspired, informed, and ready to help gifted children thrive
Register now to attend the OATAG Conference
The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) annual convention will be in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this year. Attending this conference will provide multiple professional learning opportunities through breakout sessions and networking. The conference is November 13-16, 2025, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. If you are interested in attending, please visit NAGC’s website.
If you have any questions or need technical assistance, please contact Angela Allen at angela.m.allen@ode.oregon.gov.
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