About Talented & Gifted (TAG) Services

According to Illinois School Code Section 14A-20: “Gifted and talented children” means children and youth with outstanding talent who perform or show the potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared with other children and youth of their age, experience, and environment. Oak Grove recognizes the state use of the terms gifted education and gifted students, and the existence of a population of our students who demonstrate actual or potential extraordinary talent.

We believe we are responsible for providing optimal educational experiences for talents to flourish, and doing so is of benefit to the individual and community. As referenced in the district mission and vision, Oak Grove believes high ability cuts across all demographics. We are committed to supporting all students through an on-going search for differentiated services.

We believe in nurturing the talents of all learners enriching their daily experiences through talent development. Once per week, the enrichment specialist visits all K-3 classrooms to provide a 30 minute talent development lesson using the Primary Education Thinking Skills (PETS) resource.

Beginning in grade 4, daily replacement services are offered in English language arts, mathematics or both content areas. TAG ELA is offered through enrichment and TAG Math is offered through an accelerated pathway. 

Oak Grove Talented & Gifted Matrices

Placement Appeals   

Parents have the right to request an additional review of student placement into the talented and gifted program or to request subject- or grade-level acceleration. To initiate this process, the parent must complete the Placement Appeal Parent Feedback Form to provide information about the request and the child in various areas. After the Teaching and Learning department receives the form, the request will be considered alongside various data points and will be reviewed by the Advisory Council. Appeals must be filed by the date communicated to families during placement appeal windows. 

Members of this council include two (2) teacher representatives, one (1) district  administrator, one (1) psychologist, and two (2) parent representatives, which provide feedback on advisory council decisions. A Board of Education member (1) may be present during the advisory council review to observe the process but he or she will not be involved in any decision-making. This Council will review appeals twice a year: once during the fall and once during the spring. Appeals submitted after the advisory committee meeting will be reviewed at the next meeting.  The Council does not have access to student names, only the data related to placement decisions.  The appeals process may only be utilized once per every 12 months.