The mission of the Madison Metropolitan School District is to ensure that every student has the knowledge and skills needed for academic achievement and a successful life. Among the beliefs underlying this mission is the belief that every child has the right to realize his/her full potential.

The goal of Talented and Gifted (TAG) programming is to make certain that K-12 students can consistently access learning opportunities that are challenging, systematic and continuous based on learning profile, readiness and student interest.

There is no such thing as a "typical" gifted child. Student learning experiences, therefore, must include a broad range of opportunities that provide students with the Next Level of Challenge (NLC) and allow them to develop their talents. TAG programming that provides the NLC should occur in the classroom through curricular differentiation. TAG Programming options may also be available in other settings.

TAG programming is determined by ongoing evaluation and assessment of individual student needs. Classroom differentiation is documented using a Classroom Action Summary (CAS) which examines whether the learning needs of the student are being met. Each school has TAG resource support for ongoing consultation. This support includes professional development to implement differentiated practices in the classroom and facilitation of the Individualized Student Educational Plan (InStep) process.