Ashland Middle School Talented and Gifted

PHILOSOPHY

Ashland Middle School is committed to identifying and providing for the unique intellectual, social, emotional, and career needs of intellectually gifted and academically talented children.

Our goal is to ensure that all learners, including gifted learners, are provided with stimulating, challenging, and meaningful educational experiences with lessons and materials appropriate for each student’s assessed level and rate of learning.

Our philosophy fosters educational alternatives in a broader social context promoting:

  • High expectations and achievement

  • Intellectual stimulation and collaboration

  • Academic enrichment

  • Social and emotional growth

We acknowledge and support the vital role of the classroom teacher in creating differentiated instruction for the unique needs of exceptional learners within the classroom setting.

QUALIFICATION

Students who test at or above the 97th percentile on specially selected tests may be eligible for Ashland Middle School’s TAG Identification. After being identified based on specific criteria developed by the state, TAG students may be placed in cluster groups under the supervision of the classroom teacher. Here they will receive special guidance to work towards their potential, through compaction and/or acceleration of the curriculum, as well as enriching activities. These students often learn at a faster rate. Many TAG students have creative and energetic ideas but lack some of the necessary skills to develop projects that measure up to a high level of competence. The TAG Services are designed to fit these needs. The Ashland School District complies with the Oregon Talented and Gifted (TAG)

Education Act and its administrative rules. These rules apply to all eligible students in our school.

Meeting the Educational Needs of Your Secondary TAG Student

To best meet your child’s needs, secondary teachers follow a Flexibility Plan in the core curriculum areas for all TAG students. This Flexibility Plan (FLEX Plan) addresses the assessment of needs and curriculum modification related to the rate and level of learning. Each TAG student will be given a copy of this plan. If your child does not share this plan with you, please contact the TAG Coordinator. Each TAG student’s level of learning must be assessed in all subjects.

Each TAG student’s level of learning will be assessed in all subjects. At Ashland Middle School, we are committed to providing an environment where your child can excel. To ensure we effectively evaluate your child's progress, we use rubrics to assess their achievement in various subject areas. Our focus is not only on their understanding of the content but also on developing positive learning skills and habits essential for academic success.

When your child consistently demonstrates mastery in both subject area content and learning habits, it reflects their talented and gifted abilities. In such instances, we will offer extensions and enrichments tailored to their unique needs and strengths. These opportunities are designed to challenge and stimulate their intellectual growth while fostering a love for learning.

If you feel your child’s learning needs in rate and level are not being met at any time, please contact the classroom teacher. The school’s TAG coordinator and/or the principal are also available to assist you and the teacher in seeking appropriate strategies to meet your student's needs.

Additional planning and student advocacy support is available through District Student Services at 482-2811. You may request a form at that number to document your concerns relating to TAG services.

Parent Concerns and Appeals Process

Talented and Gifted Services utilizes an appeals process similar to the district complaint process. If parents or guardians are dissatisfied with their child's identification status and/or the recommended services, they may contact the building principal and submit a written request for reconsideration or additional/alternate services.

TAG Coordinator
Allen Lambert
allen.lambert@ashland.k12.or.us

Principal 
Steve Retzlaff
steve.retzlaff@ashland.k12.or.us 

Assistant Principal
Rebecca Gyarmathy
rebecca.gyarmathy@ashland.k12.or.us