The state of Oregon passed the Talented and Gifted Education Act in the 1987 legislative session and phased in its implementation in the 1990-91 and 1991-92 school years. The mandate is based on sound principles and research regarding the needs of talented and gifted students, but has been a dramatic shift in thinking for parents, educators and students.

Instead of requiring a one-size-fits-all pull-out or enrichment program, the law speaks directly to assessing individual needs. The regular classroom teacher has become a major player in providing appropriate services and is asked to look at each TAG student individually. The mandate has also made it necessary for school districts to be both creative and flexible in their procedures and services for TAG identified students.

School District 4J continues to meet the challenge of the TAG mandate and its own TAG policy by providing a wide array of options for all of its students, K-12, and by assisting classroom teachers in addressing the level and rate of learning for TAG students.