Under Illinois School Code Section 14A-20, "gifted and talented children" are those who perform, or show the potential to perform, at remarkably high levels compared with peers of the same age and experience. Oak Grove believes high ability cuts across all demographics and is committed to an ongoing search for students who would benefit from differentiated services.
Services
- Grades K–3: Once a week, the enrichment specialist visits every classroom for a 30-minute talent-development lesson using the Primary Education Thinking Skills (PETS) resource.
- Grade 4 and up: Daily replacement services are offered in English Language Arts, mathematics, or both.
- TAG ELA uses the William & Mary gifted language arts curriculum.
- TAG Math moves at an accelerated pace, with the option to double-accelerate in grades 6–8.
Identification
The goal is to match each student's ability and achievement to the right course while keeping identification simple. The district uses a profile approach that considers each child's relative strengths and errs on the side of inclusion. Screening begins with student achievement data, including i-Ready diagnostic scores and CogAT scores (given in grades 3 and 5). To keep learning steady, students are not moved in and out of gifted services during the school year.
An audit of Oak Grove's gifted services concluded in Spring 2024, refining how students are identified and which courses are offered.
Contact
Alexa Dunn — Director of Teaching & Learning — adunn@ogschool.org · (847) 367-4120, ext. 2001