Agenda Item
Meeting Date:
1/7/2022 - 7:00 PM  
Category:
Teaching, Learning and Leadership  
Type:
Info  
Subject:
Talented and Gifted Program Update  
ACPS 2025 Strategic Plan Goal:
Goal 2: Instructional Excellence
ACPS will ensure that all students have access to and engagement with high-quality instruction.
 
Policy:
IGBB - Programs for Gifted Students  
Funding Source or Fiscal Impact (where applicable):
 
File Attachment:
220107_Board_Brief_Talented and Gifted_Board_Update.pdf
 
Agenda Item Summary:
● The Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Local Plan for the Gifted is in the process of being revised this school year, with a goal to adopt the new plan in May 2022.
● The TAG office worked with elementary and middle schools to increase referrals for General Intellectual Aptitude (GIA) or Specific Academic Aptitude (SAA) TAG services for students who receive Young Scholars services.
● The TAG office worked with the Application Support office within the Department of Technology Services to create an electronic screening system that ensured greater accuracy and security of student information.
 
Background:
The TAG office is updating the ACPS Local Plan for the Gifted. The plan was last approved in 2012, and it requires revision to remain in compliance with Virginia’s regulations. The Local Plan will focus on an updated philosophy and working definition of “giftedness,” examine an updated name for TAG that aligns more closely with updated research in the field of giftedness, update the continuum of services and delivery model, outline screening and identification procedures, outline timelines for implementation, and develop program evaluation methods.

The work on the Local Plan will include steering committees to guide goals and actions for the plan. The steering committee members include school administrators from the elementary and secondary levels, central office administrators, central office curriculum specialists, TAG designees, TAG teachers, classroom teachers, and community members. The TAG office is also working closely with the Policy & Board Initiatives office and the Equity Review Board to align policy and equitable practices with the updated Local Plan. The TAG Advisory Committee (TAGAC) also aligned its scope of work with the Local Plan revision. Finally, the TAG office will present an overview of the continuum of services and the identification process to the School Board in March 2022, with a final goal of Board adoption in May 2022.
 
Recommendation
The Superintendent recommends that the School Board review the information within this brief.  
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Dr. Terri H. Mozingo - Chief Academic Officer
Signed By:  
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. - Superintendent