TAGT Parent Webinar
The Texas Association for the Gifted/Talented (TAGT) celebrates Texas GT Awareness Week the first week of April each year – April 1-5, 2024
Organizations that support gifted and advanced learners, Part 2
Did you know that there are state and national associations that exist to support gifted and advanced learners and their families and educators? Not only do these organizations provide information and resources, but they also provide training opportunities and conferences.
Organizations that support gifted and advanced learners, Part 1
Did you know that there are state and national associations that exist to support gifted and advanced learners and their families and educators? Not only do these organizations provide information and resources, but they also provide training opportunities and conferences.
2024 TAGT Scholarships Are Open
With the help of our generous donors, the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT) offers over $30,000 annually in student scholarship opportunities. By providing the right opportunities we may just spark the minds that will discover innovative answers to the most challenging questions of their generation. These scholarships have the potential to change a student’s life forever.
A New Middle School Opportunity – Accelerated Science
If you have a student in elementary school, you may have heard about the latest advanced learning opportunity for middle school students – Accelerated Science. The accelerated science pathway is meant to support students who have an early passion for science and are interested in pursuing additional advanced science coursework in high school. Like the middle school accelerated math opportunity, Accelerated Science will take the middle school science curriculum and compact it into two years instead of three, providing students with the opportunity to take a high school science course the 8th grade year.
Gifted and Advanced Academics Parent Conference
Round Rock ISD will hold a Gifted and Advanced Academics Parent Conference on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
The Conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Walsh Middle School, 3850 Walsh Ranch Road, Round Rock. Check in begins at 8:15 a.m.
The cost to attend the conference is $10 per person. Reduced rates are available for parents/guardians with students eligible for free and reduced lunch. Please contact Michelle Swain for more information on reduced rates.
Schedule
8:15 a.m. – Check-in
8:30 a.m. – Conference begins:
Keynote: Fueling Their Passions
Featuring Keynote: Blake Haygood, award winning gifted educator and parent
Breakouts: Fuel their Passions: How to Fill Their Tank; Flakey or Fantastic: Multipotentiality; How to Talk About Your Gifted Child; Nurturing Passion in Elementary
Students through Research and Products; Middle School Transition; Navigating College Credit Opportunities in High School; and MANY MORE!
*Some sessions offered in Spanish*
Continue reading to register and add this event to your calendar.
Texas First Diploma offers an opportunity for early graduation
Has your student considered early graduation? If so, there is a new program in Texas to support them! In an effort to retain some of the brightest minds in Texas, the state has created the Texas First Early High School Completion Program for students who are interested in early graduation. The program is designed to allow public high school students who demonstrate early readiness for college to graduate early from high school and earn a scholarship for one or two semesters at Texas public colleges and universities.
Exploring Ancient Civilizations
Over the course of last semester, the fifth graders at Redbud Elementary School explored Ancient Civilizations. In order to challenge students to make connections and go beyond the surface level of understanding, we used the Depth and Complexity Icons (JTaylor).
Encouraging students through confusion and uncertainty
When I interviewed for the eTAG Specialist position, I was asked the question, “How has your most recent job prepared you for this role?” My job at that time was an interventionist in Round Rock ISD. On the surface of it, it seems that the two roles are worlds apart.
Going Beyond Book Clubs
I cannot understate the importance of helping students realize that reading is enjoyable and fun. If there is one lesson I want my students to walk away with from my class, it is that reading opens your mind and heart, is truly enjoyable, and will expand your outlook on life. I have a HUGE classroom library, and my students have access to checking out the books.
District TAG Parent Night
On September 26, 2023, Gifted and Advanced Academics hosted District TAG Parent Night at Cedar Ridge High School. In this back to school session, we provided an overview of District Gifted Services and secondary Advanced Academic options and programming for students. Information about the TAG Parent Advisory Council and other parent/community opportunities were also highlighted.
Fall Parent Webinar: Connection Before Content
Round Rock ISD Department of Gifted and Advanced Academics and TAGPAC invite you to…
The Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT)
Parent Webinar: Connection Before Content
September 12, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us for the TAGT Fall Webinar designed specifically for parents of gifted students.
In this session, attendees will delve into the critical topic of mental health challenges students face and the significance of fostering connections and relationships in their lives. Our expert panels will guide parents through an exploration of the unique struggles that gifted students encounter, including feelings of isolation and loneliness. By providing valuable insights and practical strategies, this webinar equips parents with the knowledge and tools necessary to support their children in combating these challenges. Be prepared for a successful new school year by joining us for this empowering event.
The Cedar Ridge High School viewing on September 12, 2023 will be in English.
Cedar Ridge High School Auditorium
6 – 6:20 p.m. Parent Mixer
6:20 – 7:30 p.m. Parent Webinar
Welcome back students and families
Round Rock ISD’s Department of Gifted and Advanced Academics hopes everyone had a fun summer where great experiences were had and lasting memories were made. We are so excited to see our gifted and advanced learners in our school hallways and classrooms. It is too quiet without the usual laughter and learning in our buildings. Our enthusiastic and committed teachers have been working hard to prepare for the start of school. We are ready!
Cancelled: Gifted and Advanced Academic Services hosts Parent Conference
Round Rock ISD’s Gifted and Advanced Academic Services is hosting a Parent Conference to provide information, discussion, and support for parents of TAG and Advanced Academic Services students. The Parent Conference will be held Saturday, February 4 at Walsh Middle School, 3850 Walsh Ranch Blvd. Round Rock. Check in, coffee and meet and greet will begin at 8:15 a.m. The keynote speaker and breakout sessions are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. through 12 p.m.
Register for Spring 2023 After-School Classes
Round Rock ISD offers a wide variety of after-school classes for students in grades K through 12. Visit the registration portal to browse and register for Spring 2023 after-school classes that begin the week of January 23. Hurry, registration ends Jan. 16.
Meet Gifted and Advanced Academic Services Coordinator, Michelle Moak
My name is Michelle Moak and I am excited to join Round Rock ISD as the new Gifted and Advanced Academic Services Coordinator supporting secondary programming. I am a native Houstonian having served 18 years with Houston ISD. I began my educational career in 2004 as a grant coordinator and entered the classroom in 2009 as a 5th grade reading teacher.
Meet Gifted and Advanced Academic Services Coordinator, Melissa Vasquez
My name is Melissa Vasquez and I am the new Gifted and Advanced Academic Services Coordinator, focusing on elementary programming. I’m grateful to say that I’ve been in the Round Rock ISD family for 11 years now. I started as a substitute for the district after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin
Maggio named 2022 Gifted Administrator of the Year
The Gifted Education Family Network (GEFN) has selected Raine Maggio as the 2022 Gifted Administrator of the Year. This was the group’s inaugural year for the GT Excellence Awards program which honors administrators committed to equity and excellence. Raine had recently served as the District’s Gifted and Advanced Academics coordinator. Her current role as the Director of Enrichment will allow her to continue serving all Round Rock ISD students and families by providing both classroom and after school enrichment opportunities.
TAG Referral window is now open
Each year Round Rock ISD has open registration to refer a student for gifted services screening. Our service model provides an array of learning opportunities for students who show advanced ability or potential in comparison to students of the same age, experience, and environment.
The referral window for students to be considered for gifted services is open through December 9, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. You will find the registration link on the Round Rock ISD TAG website. After completing the online form, you will receive email confirmation of your referral for gifted services. If you do not, please contact the Advanced Academics office at 512-464-5195 or 512-464-5925.
Gifted Services (TAG) – Identification Timeline
Each year Round Rock ISD has open registration to refer a student for gifted services. You might be asking yourself if this is a good fit for your child. Our service model provides an array of learning opportunities for students who show advanced ability or potential in comparison to students of the same age, experience, and environment.
Differentiation with Depth and Complexity
Getting students to think deeply about a concept or subject can be a seemingly daunting task, even as we know that we need critical thinking abilities to identify and solve the problems facing our society and world. However, there is a tool that is readily available: The Depth and Complexity Framework.