Oregon Public Broadcasting

Two of Oregon’s largest school districts have offered new plans for their most gifted students. Rob Manning reports.

Salem-Keizer and Portland Public Schools sent in plans that officials say will put them in compliance with state law.

Portland’s plan is a response to a decade-long legal battle with parents who were unsatisfied with services for their Talented and Gifted kids.

Portland officials say the new plan mandates TAG testing for all second graders in low-income schools.  It also calls for additional training for teachers so they can identify and then instruct exceptional students appropriately.

Salem-Keizer's plan includes a new Talented and Gifted advisory council, as well as new guidelines for assessing, and monitoring TAG students.

That was all in response to a formal complaint that originated almost two years ago with Salem-Keizer administrators, and was appealed to state officials.

TAG activists are skeptical that the new plans will result in the instruction required by Oregon law.