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Multiage grouping and building-wide projects can expand a student's sense of 'their own little group'. It helps that there is literally nothing that is done by students of only one age or grade. Whomever walks through the door seems to belong. Athletics is probably the only exception.

posted 5 years, 3 months ago
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Bravo!

posted 5 years, 3 months ago
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I agree that something needs to happen, but I dread the phrase "in Oregon". I can't thing of any statewide education initiatives that work in Oregon, and I would hate the see the good intentions of the TAG community subjected to the fate of "statewide". I would put more faith in action that is both urgent and local.

posted 5 years, 3 months ago
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I don't know if my child is TAG or not. Not sure it matters. Our public school has allowed that students should read, write, do math, and study other subjects at their own rate and level regardless of age or ability from early grades on. This has resulted in 5th graders studying Algebra and students of middle school age having access to Advanced Placement classes when needed. It hasn't made every parent happy, as some want to push faster than their children are able to move, but many parents are pleased with the results. Monk (nickname) will finish the Advanced Placement math curriculum (AB, BC and Statistics) this year and return to high school for one more year in 08-09. (Monk is not the most advanced math student in 11th grade, so no bragging intended. Well, maybe a little pride). Having begun taking AP classes at 13, Monk will have about a dozen to show colleges by graduation. School is hard for Monk. Homework occurs. Monk persists. We're happy.

So I don't get the fuss. So-called TAG kids don't seem to need anything special (although some folks get nearly hysterical at that suggestion), just a chance to move along at their own rate like everybody else. If the proof of the pudding is in the eating, Monk and friends seem to be well fed with no special programs and no fanfare. If everybody did this, some folks would doubtless resent the lack of fanfare, but it's OK by me.

posted 5 years, 3 months ago
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