True Reflection: Unhindered by Shadows
Author: Andrea DeAngelis, Old Town Elementary TAG Specialist Life has a way of throwing us into the deep end, leaving us to navigate the waters of who we are and who we think we ought to be. As a teacher of gifted students and the mother of two remarkable young...
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.
Accelerated Math Pathways K-8
Students who are identified for gifted services in math will participate in both an accelerated and enriched math curriculum. The accelerated math services begin in 3rd grade. In each year, grades 3 through 6, the student will complete a year and a half of math curriculum. Students who participate will have an adjusted STAAR schedule for math.
Math Fun for Summer!
Avoid the drill and have some fun with math this summer. These sites include lots of fun ways to keep your math abilities on target.
Summer Reading Resources
If you are looking for some books and recommended reading for your kids this summer, here are several resources to explore!
AP Seminar – Finishing Up the AP Portfolio
With Advanced Placement (AP)® exams right around the corner, AP Seminar students at McNeil High School are working hard to put the finishing touches on their AP Portfolios and prepare for the AP Exam. This week, we are working on final submissions of Individual Written Arguments and Individual Multimedia Presentations.
Providing Support in School Transitions
During the K-12 experience, students go through 2 major transitions, elementary to middle school and middle school to high school. These transitions are very exciting times and give new opportunities for our students with the addition of elective choices, clubs, athletics, and special programs.
Enrichment Review
The school year may be winding down, but our enrichment opportunities are not. Be sure to check out the many summer programs run by the Enrichment department. We have camps focusing on all areas of interest that are perfect for the gifted student.
Social and Emotional Support
As we focus on academic challenges, we should also engage in a mindful, targeted effort to support the social and emotional needs that face our youth. As things have become the closest to “normal” that we have seen in quite some time, let’s help encourage our kids to build healthy relationships with peers and adults in their lives by re-engaging and sharing experiences.
Gifted and Advanced Academics Recap
On March 26, 2022 approximately 160 parents joined us in a day of learning and growing. The keynote address was given by Dr. Brian Housand and participants also enjoyed a variety of breakout sessions including topics on gifted, advanced academics, and enrichment opportunities.
College and Career
Throughout the year, we will feature one of the array of opportunities that meet the needs of our gifted and advanced learners. Starting with an overview of college and credit in high school, there are four primary programs, Advanced Placement (AP), University of Texas OnRamps, International Baccalaureate, Austin Community College Dual Credit
Gifted Services
In accordance with the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted and Talented Students, Round Rock ISD offers an array of learning experiences to meet the needs of gifted and high ability learners.
Demystifying Differentiation
Effective differentiation can happen without a student even knowing it. Teachers can differentiate through content, product, or process, as well as through grouping or questioning strategies. Differentiation does not mean that each student receives a different assignment or an additional assignment every time content is taught.