TAG Testing

posted by Karen Quinn, The Testing Mom - March 15th, 2013

Not just a schoolyard game anymore, TAG typically stands for Talented and Gifted. It’s a term used to cover many different advanced-placement courses, tests and schools. TAG testing refers to the many different types and styles of tests which administrators use to determine if a child is eligible for advanced placement or TAG programs. You can find more information about TAG and GATE (these terms are often used interchangeably) programs and testing at http://www.criticalthinking.com/company/articles/gate-tag-test-prep-guide.jsp.

If your child will be undergoing TAG testing in the near future, there are some steps you can take to help them perform up to their potential. Many children run into difficulties because TAG tests are different from the everyday school quizzes they’re used to. Familiarizing your child with the formats of the test they’ll be taking can eliminate this concern.

Other children have difficulties due to anxiety or pressure. Take care not to put pressure on your child regarding their TAG tests, and talk with them about any anxieties they may be dealing with. Anxiety is a top contributor to poor test performance, and eliminating or reducing it in your child can greatly help their score.

Finally, you may be wondering what to use to prepare your child for her TAG or GATE test. The materials used for these tests vary widely from school district to school district, so there isn’t any one-size-fits-all answer to these questions. The best bet is to talk to a teacher or someone else at your child’s school to see if you can find out the skills that are measured on the test. This will give you a good starting point in terms of what you should go over with your child. It will also tip you off in case the test includes material from subjects in which your child is weak (such as arithmetic, visual spatial reasoning, etc.).