Talented and Gifted Learning at
Eisenhower Elementary School
Frequently Asked Questions
How are students selected for TAG?
Eisenhower follows Boulder Valley School District policies and procedures to nominate, identify and serve Talented and Gifted (TAG) students. TAG is an identification for advanced learners, generally defined as students in the top 5% of aptitude and ability. Students are nominated for TAG assessment by teachers or parents based on consistent, unusually high aptitude or performance. Students can be nominated and identified as TAG at any grade level, although most students are identified during 2nd and 3rd grades. Observations from parents, teachers, and aptitude test results are brought to a committee composed of the principal, teachers, and TAG Advisor. Students identified as TAG have an ALP (Advanced Learning Plan) to document how the student’s academic and social/emotional needs can be met at home, in class and at school.
What is the programming for TAG Students at Eisenhower?
At Eisenhower, advanced programming for TAG students includes differentiated activities and clustering of advanced students in the regular classroom, a pull-out program where students meet with the TAG advisor during the intervention (I-block) time, enrichment activities, and affective programming to meet the social/emotional needs of gifted students.
Third grade TAG students meet daily with the TAG Advisor. Math activities focus on problem solving, extension, and application of math concepts learned in the classroom. Critical thinking and verbal skills are developed using Junior Great Books and the William and Mary higher level reading curriculum.
In addition to placement in higher level math and reading groups in the classroom, fourth grade TAG students meet daily with the TAG advisor. Problem solving, math, programming and teamwork skills are developed during a unit on Lego Robotics. Enrichment activities include vocabulary and grammar studies, geometry and ancient number systems.
Advanced fifth grade math students are placed into an accelerated math class that includes 6th grade math standards, and participate in a weekly class to learn additional math problem solving strategies. Programming for students with advanced verbal abilities includes an autobiographies unit developed specifically for talented and gifted learners. A discussion group led by the TAG Advisor and school Social Worker addresses affective and social/emotional topics relevant to TAG students.
Are there any extracurricular activities designed for TAG students?
Many TAG enrichment opportunities at Eisenhower are open to all students. Math Olympiad meets after school, where 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students learn new problem solving strategies and solve challenging math problems. Geography Bee is open to all 4th and 5th grade students, and Spelling Bee is open to all 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students. After school activities include Science classes, Chess classes and Family Chess Knight.
How does the TAG program benefit all students?
In addition to providing support for TAG students, Eisenhower provides opportunities for other advanced learners as well. Opening up TAG enrichment activities to all students allows any student to participate. Examples include teachers in third grade using TAG challenge problems in the regular classroom, and fourth grade teachers using the William and Mary higher-level language arts curriculum in reading groups. Second grade math enrichment groups include non-TAG students. Fifth grade advanced language arts and 6th grade math are offered to other high-achieving learners. Finally, when TAG students receive instruction in small groups this lowers the student/teacher ratio in the general classroom and all students benefit.
If you have questions about TAG services at Eisenhower, contact Anne Burkholder, the TAG Educational Advisor, at 720-561-6717 or anne.burkholder@bvsd.org.