ASMSA’s Talent Identification Program (ASMSA-TIP) is specifically designed to identify and develop talent in students in 6th-9th grade in Arkansas. ASMSA-TIP provides sustained opportunities for high ability learners to explore and develop their talents throughout the academic year. As program participants, ASMSA-TIP students, families, and educators gain access to enrichment programming, curated digital content focused on gifted learning, above-level testing, and guidance on nurturing academic strengths and socio-emotional development.
How Does ASMSA-TIP Identify Talent?
A student qualifies to participate in ASMSA-TIP if they are currently in the 6th-9th grade in Arkansas and meet any one of the following three criteria:
- The student scored in the 90th percentile on one or more subtests of a state or national standardized grade-level exam. For Arkansas students, this typically means scoring Level 4 (Advanced) on one or more subtests of the ATLAS assessment.
- The student has been formally identified as gifted or talented by their school district.
- The student has been recommended as gifted or talented by a teacher, administrator, or educational community leader (Scout leader, camp counselor, etc.).
What Does Participation in ASMSA-TIP Look Like for a Student?
At the center of all of our ASMSA-TIP programming is a drive to engage student curiosity and help students ignite their passion for learning. ASMSA-TIP provides three pathways for participants.
Discovery Pathway (6th-grade Students)
This introductory, enrichment-focused pathway helps gifted students explore their interests, build foundational skills, and connect with a community of like-minded peers. This pathway includes access to curated digital content, invitations to in-person events, and family focused resources free of charge.
Testing Pathway (7th-grade Students & First-Time 8th-Grade Participants)
The hallmark of this pathway is participation in the ACT as an above-level test, providing students and families with detailed insight into academic strengths and college readiness. In addition to digital content, in-person events, and family resources, participants receive a voucher to take the ACT and guidance on how to interpret above-level test scores. Participants receive customized guidance from ASMSA-TIP based on their ACT score report, and there is the opportunity for statewide recognition based on performance. A $95 testing fee applies.
Alumni Pathway (Returning 8th-grade & 9th-grade Students)
Designed for students who have completed the ACT through ASMSA-TIP in a previous year, the Alumni Pathway offers ongoing enrichment opportunities, special invitations to events, and digital content that deepens academic and personal development. Participation is free for all eligible students.
How Much Does It Cost to be a Part of ASMSA-TIP?
The Discovery Pathway is presented free of charge to any student who qualifies for ASMSA-TIP participation.
The Testing Pathway has a $95 fee which helps to cover the cost of testing and the development of the participant’s personalized score report. Through internal and external funding, ASMSA-TIP offers a limited number of Testing Pathway scholarships for families with financial need. To request a scholarship, please contact our office at talent@asmsa.org after you have registered your child for the Testing Pathway.
The Alumni Pathway is presented free of charge to any student who has previously taken the ACT as an above-level test with ASMSA-TIP.
How Do I Enroll or Recommend a Student?
If you are a parent/guardian:
- Complete and submit the 2025-2026 registration form, which can be found by clicking here. If your pathway has fees, no fees are charged at this point in the process. Please complete and submit the registration form even if you plan to request a scholarship for the Testing Pathway.
- ASMSA staff will process your student’s registration. If there are fees associated with your registration, an invoice will be sent to the email provided in the registration form.
- After payment has been made or a scholarship has been awarded (if applicable), an email will be sent to the email address provided during registration notifying you of your student’s enrollment in ASMSA-TIP along with any next steps.
If you are an educator:
We encourage you to share information with all qualified students and families who may benefit from participating in the program. You may recommend promising students even if they are not currently receiving gifted services from your district. Participating in ASMSA-TIP can provide families with valuable insights into their child’s potential, and completing an above-level test like the ACT is a low-risk, high-value opportunity for students with demonstrated academic ability. If you would like to request resources to help with the recommendation process, please contact our office at talent@asmsa.org.
My Student has Been Enrolled in ASMSA-TIP… Now What?
Welcome to the ASMSA-TIP community! Here are some next steps:
- If you are on the Testing Pathway and have received your ACT voucher, identify a 2025-2026 test date and register for the ACT test.
- Monthly newsletters and other communication will be sent to the email addresses we have on file for your family. Make sure that emails from talent@asmsa.org are not sent to your spam folder.
Does ASMSA-TIP Have Programs for Educators?
ASMSA-TIP provides year-round enrichment, above-level testing opportunities, and socio-emotional support for high-potential 6th- to 9th-grade students. As an educator, you play a critical role in identifying and supporting these students, and we’re here to support you in return.
Any Arkansas K-12 educator who works with advanced learners is welcome to join ASMSA-TIP as an Educator. Additionally, we welcome GT coordinators, district leaders, school counselors, and administrators from across the state.
As a member of the ASMSA-TIP Educator Community, you’ll receive:
- Access to curated digital resources, including lesson ideas, social-emotional development tools, and materials to share with families.
- Invitations to free in-person professional development events held throughout the year at ASMSA’s Hot Springs campus.
- Recognition as a partner in talent development and opportunities to bring events to your region.
- Support and guidance in advocating for gifted students in your classroom, school, or district.
Thanks to internal support, participation in ASMSA-TIP as an educator is free.
Talent identification programs, first and foremost, seek to identify student talent utilizing above-level testing and comprehensive student assessment. Early talent identification ensures that gifted students receive appropriate educational opportunities and interventions tailored to their unique needs.
TIPs help to create a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment for gifted students that breaks from the traditional classroom grade-level learning model. Through participation in talent programs, gifted students foster their love of learning, and they are encouraged to reach their full potential.
Talent identification programs assist parents and educators in identifying and creating individualized learning opportunities for gifted students. Whether it’s through additional coursework, participation in an academic summer camp, or facilitation of extracurricular activities, TIPs encourage self-directed learning and instill a sense of accomplishment in their participants.
Through a variety of programming and networking opportunities, TIPs are able to address the unique social and emotional needs of gifted middle school students. Participation in a TIP program increases a student’s sense of belonging and provides crucial support for social and emotional well-being.
TIPs often incorporate mentorship components, connecting gifted students with experienced professionals, experts, or older students who can provide valuable guidance. Mentors help nurture talents and passions of gifted students while also modeling real-world perspectives that can provide insight into future aspirations and goals.
While the immediate benefits of TIPs are clear, there is also a long-term implication on student success. TIPs help to identify and nurture student potential early, paving the way for academic excellence, higher education attainment, and future career success.