PGCPS Talented & Gifted
TAG Information
Ms. Ellen St Clair, TAG Coordinator Grades 2-5
Ms. Shorter, TAG Coordinator Grades 6-8
International Baccalaureate Continuity
Information for TAG Center Middle School Students Diploma Programme
What is IB?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme is a globally recognized education program which prepares students for the 21st century by developing, inquiring, caring, and knowledgeable young people who help to create a better, more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The high school IB programmes in Prince George’s County Public Schools begin in 9th and 10th grades with a Pre-Diploma Programme (PDP) courses in English, World Languages, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. During these first two years, students are prepared for the rigor of the IB Diploma Programme (DP) beginning in the 11th grade and culminating in the 12th grade.
To achieve the prestigious IB diploma, students must score (4 out of 7) on each of the six required subject exams and complete the Diploma Programme Core requirements. The Diploma Programme Core comprises of a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, a community service project--Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and report their independent research in an extended essay.
For additional information on IB, visit www.ibo.org and IB Program Brochure.
Among the benefits of the IB Programme are:
- higher university acceptance rates for IB applicants than for total population of applicants;
- opportunities to earn college credit and advanced standing at worldwide institutions;
- increased scholarship and grant opportunities;
- rigorous academic program that truly prepares students for college;
- emphasis on international mindedness and a course of study that encourages and models lifelong learning skills; and
- access to highly qualified and trained IB teachers.
More information about IB schools in PGCPS, visit http://www.pgcps.org/ib/
Continuity to IB Program means that TAG Center students, who successfully completed the criteria below, are eligible to participate in a district IB DP without having to complete an application packet.
Requirements for TAG Continuity:
- completion of TAG Center Middle School Program;
- 3.0 GPA in Core Courses (Reading English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, US History, and World Language); and
- Level 1 of World Language (preferably Spanish, French, or Chinese) and Math 8 Honors or higher.
- TAG students who meet these requirements have a guaranteed placement into the preparation phase for the IB DP in 9th and 10th grades.
- No continuity exists for formal entry into the IB DP for 11th and 12th grades. An application and interview will be needed at the IB school.
Timeline:
December TAG Center Middle School student record review will be completed
February Pupil Accounting and School Boundaries will distribute letters regarding program options
March Deadline to accept an IB placement at your designated/boundary IB school
April/May Registration by High School counselor or IB DP Coordinator for those students committing to IB
April/May Placement in IB PDP courses is based on grades/courses in Middle School
Students accepted into the IB Programme will receive transportation.
Expectations of IB PDP Students:
- maintain 3.0 GPA;
- participation in high school extracurricular activities (sports or academic);
- participation in service activities while in high school;
- remain in the IB boundary; and
- application/interview for entry into IB DP in 11th grade (continuity is not guaranteed).
For more information about the IB Programme, please contact 301-808-8275.
For more information about the Talented and Gifted Center Program (TAG), please contact Theresa Jackson, Supervisor of TAG Programs, tjackson@pgcps.org, 301-808-3790.