ASMSA's Talent Identification Program (ASMSA-TIP) is designed for gifted Arkansas seventh-graders. By providing tailored educational experiences and fostering social and emotional wellbeing, ASMSA-TIP empowers gifted students to reach their full potential. By providing resources and insight into the unique needs of gifted students, ASMSA-TIP helps parents and guardians holistically support their child's development and progress.
No fees are charged at this point in the process. Please complete and submit the registration form even if you plan to request a fee waiver.
How Does ASMSA-TIP Identify Talent?
ASMSA-TIP candidates are current seventh-grade students who have met any one of the three criteria:
- The student scored in the 90th percentile on one or more subtests of a state or national standardized exam, like the ACT Aspire, MAP testing.
- 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.).
How Does ASMSA-TIP Develop Talent?
Gifted middle school students stand out from their peers most often due to their scores on grade-level tests, like the ACT Aspire. As a result, these students are often invited to participate in opportunities like ASMSA-TIP. ASMSA-TIP will use a practice called “above-level” testing, which is when a gifted student takes a standardized assessment that is designed for students at a higher grade level.
All ASMSA-TIP participants will receive a voucher to take the ACT as an "above-level" test. Above-level testing is when a student takes a standardized assessment that is designed for a higher grade level. This practice helps ASMSA-TIP better enrich and support talented students and their parents.
ASMSA-TIP participants will also receive a monthly e-newsletter with content specific for GT students and parents, access to quarterly webinar sessions with GT professionals, an ASMSA-TIP t-shirt, and the opportunity to participate in a recognition ceremony for students who perform exceptionally well on the ACT exam.
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.
How Much Does It Cost to be a Part of ASMSA-TIP?
Program Fees for ASMSA-TIP are $95 per student. Fee waivers may be available to families with exceptional financial need. Contact us at talent@asmsa.org for more details regarding a fee waiver.
The program fees include:
- ACT Exam Voucher which can be used for any 2023-2024 national ACT test date*
- Monthly E-newsletter with content specific for GT students and parents
- Quarterly Webinar sessions with GT professionals
- ASMSA-TIP T Shirt
- Recognition Ceremony for students who perform exceptionally well on ACT exam.
*The April 2024 ACT Test date will be the latest test opportunity to ensure consideration for the Recognition Ceremony. The registration deadline for the April 2024 ACT Test date is March 8, 2024.
What is the Process to Enroll My Student in ASMSA-TIP?
- Complete and submit the registration form which can be found by clicking here. No fees are charged at this point in the process. Please complete and submit the registration form even if you plan to request a fee waiver.
- ASMSA staff will process your student's registration, and an appropriate payment link will be sent to the email provided in the registration form.
- After payment has been made or fee waiver has been processed, an email will be sent to the address provided with an ACT voucher that can be used for any 2023-2024 National ACT Test Date.*
*The April 2024 ACT Test date will be the latest test opportunity to ensure consideration for the Recognition Ceremony. The registration deadline for the April 2024 ACT Test date is March 8, 2024.