TAG scores

[Anonymous]

My child is in private school right now (we wanted the smaller class size for lower grades due to shyness). We will sign up DC for the testing for private school kids for TAG eligibility next year for entry to middle school the following year. We just got standardized test scores back for this year, though I'm sure it is a different test, and I was wondering if anyone knows the cutoff scores for TAG in PG County. Is it just above a certain percentile score qualifies? We're trying to figure out how confident to be about that option so we can start researching some plan B options over the summer if needed since everything seems to happen in the fall in terms of applying at private schools. If anyone knows the qualification criteria that would be really helpful.

[Anonymous]

There are some criteria listed here http://www1.pgcps.org/pointerridge/index.aspx?id=122740
Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

That is awesome info, thanks! The PGCPS webpage always makes me feel like a tech idiot - I can never find anything I am looking for. The best I could find was that testing is offered for private school kids and you can't use the tests your current school uses or an IQ test to get TAG identified in the county. Thanks so much! I don't see anything similar for middle school cutoffs, but I'll assume they are similar in terms of where the scores are with the stanines.

[Anonymous]

Here are my notes from doing it this year. Our DC is in private school and we hoped to get into a TAG program for 7th grade next year. Did OK in the testing (must get over 85% in each subject) but didn't do well in the lottery.

http://www1.pgcps.org/tag/
Must go to local public elementary school to get student number, bring copy of birth certificate and proof of residence (lease/deed)
Nov 1st – TAG Applications for Private School Students available. Contact TAG Office at 301-808-3790 to request application. Deadline is Jan. 11, 2013. When I called I was told to send an email to [e-mail], with student's name, current grade and school, and address. Not sure if they will use the same email address next year.
Jan 13th – Application due for TAG Testing and Screening for Private School Students (Due by 5:00 ) -- part of the application is filled out by parents, part by current teacher.
Feb 9th - TAG Testing for Private School Students @ Kenmore Elementary in Landover - Applicants only (no-walk-ins)
March 11th - Lottery Application Deadline - website address for applying online was given to parents at TAG testing.

Lottery for PGPS special programs:
http://www1.pgcps.org/lottery/

[Anonymous]

16:05 - that's closer to the age group we're testing for. Was the 85th percentile based on the national percentiles or some other grouping? I ask because the ERBs come back with national plus subgroups of like suburban public and independent schools or something.

Thanks so much for all this info. You guys (and the PG forum) are awesome.

[Anonymous]

16:05 here - The letter from the TAG office detailing the test results says:

"OLSAT Test Data (Minimum test requirement 80%tile)"
Under this title it lists my child's Raw Score and National Percentile.

"SCAT Test Data (minimum test requirement 89%tile on both tests)"
Under this title it lists the number for my child's Verbal National Percentile and Math National Percentile.

That's it. It doesn't give any more info about the test or the results.