The Talented and Gifted Program (TAG)

I have 4 babies. Well they aren't babies....except to me. I have a 16 year old daughter, a 9 year old son and my twins are 7. So, as you can see they aren't really babies.

I have fraternal twins, Chase and Alexis. They are the sweetest things and are polar opposites on most things other than just their gender.

Alexis is the girly tomboy that wants to go outside and climb trees, swim, ride her bike or do any other outdoor activity all in high heeled shoes!

Chase on the other hand likes to stay inside, watch TV, play with his video game or eat, and not necessarily in that order.

Academically they had been kind of neck in neck....even though Chase is Autistic.

But recently Chase has been smoking Alexis in math and the math concepts. I think we have found his gift! I know it's widely thought that girls aren't as good in math as boys....but I was unprepared for this.

Chases' teacher wants him tested to be in the TAG (Talented and Gifted) program. TAG is usually reserved for what is considered the elite students in the school and once you are in TAG you are in it for your entire academic life before college.

I am so honored to hear that about Chases' abilities! But with any child with a disability, be it physical or otherwise, there are obstacles. Nothing is ever easy in the disability world.

So many questions, so much to understand! What does a TAG program look like for a child with a learning disability? Can they modify it for him? Can he be in TAG with an IEP(Individualized Education Program)? Will he need an Aid when he is in there? Will they even consider him for testing? And if the answer is No to most of these questions how do I change the system so there is a TAG for the learning disabled?

Sounds like there needs to be a few changes to the system and, I think I have new marching orders!!