How It Works

TAG, otherwise known as Talented and Gifted, is an acronym used to describe students who have exceptional or promising potential in a given area. This isn’t necessarily a measure of IQ but rather a means of identifying that some students require additional challenges in their learning to grow their interests and talents. Usually, these interests or talents present themselves in creativity, academics, leadership, or the arts; it’s not just about being smart — it’s about having a high level of potential that stands out and is expressed in unique ways.

TAG isn't a fixed label; it's more like a way to recognize that some children need extra challenges to grow. Experts see giftedness as something that develops over time, influenced by experiences and opportunities. For example, a child might excel in math or art early on, but without the right support, and instruction that pushes them to their educational limit, that talent might not fully bloom. States across the U.S. define it slightly differently, but the core idea is the same: these students perform at high levels and have needs that go beyond regular classroom work. TAG programs aim to help children turn their gifts into real achievements, like creating innovative projects or performing at an advanced level.

What does this mean for schools and students? TAG education provides enriched learning through differentiated instruction, advanced classes, special projects, and/or mentorships, to prevent boredom and help kids reach their full potential. Without it, gifted children might underachieve or feel out of place in regular classes, resulting in a lack of grit, perseverance, and success in the future as they have never been asked to work through a challenge. It may also lead to behavioral issues during adolescence, or students dropping out of school, as they feel it is “beneath them”. Outside of school, enrichment programs often include things like summer camps, online courses, or university-level options for young learners. The goal is to create opportunities that match their pace and interests, fostering skills like leadership and innovation.

What Does this mean?

Identification

Identifying a talented and gifted child isn't always straightforward, but there are reliable ways to do it. Schools often use a multi-step process to ensure fairness: starting with nominations, then screening with tests or observations, collecting work samples, and pulling together a preponderance of evidence to finally decide on placement that best fits that unique students needs. This helps catch kids who might shine in different ways, not just on one test. Additionally, families may elect to have their children tested by trained professionals or have professionals recommended to them by their teachers/school districts.

Traits of Gifted Students

Common traits of giftedness often appear across intellectual, creative, social, and emotional areas. While not every gifted person shows all of these traits, many share several of the following characteristics:

Cognitive Traits (Intellectual)

  • Exceptional memory and rapid learning ability

  • Advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structure at an early age

  • Strong curiosity and deep interest in specific topics

  • Ability to grasp abstract concepts quickly

  • Preference for complexity and problem-solving

Creative Traits

  • Imaginative thinking and original ideas

  • Unusual sense of humor or unique perspective

  • Tendency to question rules and challenge norms

  • Enjoyment of open-ended tasks and exploration

Emotional and Social Traits

  • Heightened sensitivity to others’ feelings

  • Strong sense of justice and fairness

  • Intense emotions and empathy

  • Preference for older peers or adults due to intellectual alignment

Behavioral Traits

  • High energy and persistence when interested

  • Perfectionism or frustration with slow progress

  • Tendency to become bored with routine tasks

  • Independent thinking and self-direction

Giftedness can manifest differently depending on personality, environment, and support systems. Therefore, recognizing it often requires looking at patterns rather than isolated traits. For families and educators, the NAGC (National Association of Gifted Children) has a list of additional gifted traits. Keep in mind, no gifted child is the same and some may present a few or none of the characteristics. In the end, TAG is about giving every child the chance to thrive. By understanding what it is, how it fits into U.S. schools, and how to spot it, we can better support these young minds as they shape the future.

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