Notes from Gifted Observations 2016-2017:

Observation of gifted instruction:

While observing a 3rd grade TAG class at my school it was evident that the
teacher is a facilitator. It was clear the teacher understood the unique abilities
that each of her students possessed. The students were engaged in an
appropriate activity. An activity that allowed them to communicate with group
mates while utilizing a variety of resources. When students asked questions the
teacher gave guidance but never answers, this allowed students the
opportunity to draw their own conclusions.

Observation of eligibility meeting: The eligibility team included the TAG

teachers along with teachers from different grade levels. The team worked
together to score products, once each product received three scores and all
products were scored. The team worked together to determine if any obtained
a qualifying score. All team members were knowledgeable of the identification
process, and when the team was not sure or unclear they stopped and
discussed so they were all on the same page and providing consistency.

Observation of assessment:
The first thing that I observed was the amount of time it takes just to establish a
schedule to test all of the students that were CISSed. Not only dis our TAG
coordinator schedule the testing times, but she sorted through all of the data
collected on each child in order to determine what tests each child would
require. Testing schedule/times were provided to the classroom teachers in
advance. During the testing period I observed the CoGAT was administered
and the following testing window I was able to administer the CoGAT. Once
the administration was complete the TAG teacher and I sat down and went
over the scoring process, scored the assessments, and recorded the scores for
each section.