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I am a PPS parent. I have two boys, one who is identified as TAG and the other who is yet to be identified, but shows signs of being TAG as well. My experience has been this:

My 15 yr old was identified as a 3rd grader. The 'individual plans' that they do, is nothing more then what the teacher is already doing in school. The teacher claims that topics are 'open ended' so that a child can take it to what ever level they want. This does not work for the child who wants to take the easy way or is afraid of call attention to themselves will not stretch their learning. This becomes 'more' or 'extra' work, not assignments at the grade level they are at. Middle school improves the situation, because their is more opportunities for more challenging classes. High school again is a step up because some schools have advanced placement classes that have accelerated learning. The 'Honors' program is a bit different. In some it's a separate class that has accelerated learning, in some cases it's the same class as everyone else but with extra work. Another think PPS does is send info for being in a special program linked to John's Hopkins. It's mostly testing (which costs $$$$) and then the opportunity to attend classes (which cost $$$$) that JHU sponsors.

At this point I'm not even sure it's beneficial to have my youngest (now in 1st grade) identified as TAG. The only time it helps is in middle school or high school when they can get into advanced placement classes.

My belief is that theses kids need the work at their learning grade level, NOT an 'open ended' learning situation in their current grade. It should be challenging work NOT extra work. Does PPS provide this? no.

posted 5 years, 3 months ago
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