TAG Furlough and Exit

Students may be considered for a furlough from TAG services for reasons including, but not limited to:

• Physical or mental health concerns

• Family or emotional stressors

• Academic challenges

• Social/peer conflicts (after 6 weeks in grades 2-8 courses and within 3 weeks of High School courses)

• Academic stress/workload (after 6 weeks in grades 2-8 courses and within 3 weeks of High School courses)

Step 1: Initial Concern Identified

• A concern about a student's participation in TAG services may be initiated by the student, parent/guardian, TAG teacher, or campus staff.

• The TAG teacher meets with the student to discuss challenges and co-develop a plan for support or improvement.

Step 2: Parent Conference

• The TAG teacher holds a conference with the parent(s)/guardian(s) to review the plan and discuss strategies to support the student’s continued participation.

• The student is given a reasonable amount of time to demonstrate improvement.

Step 3: Furlough Request Submitted

• If challenges persist, and a temporary removal is deemed appropriate, the parent or guardian must complete the HPISD TAG Furlough Request Form and submit it to the campus TAG coordinator.

Step 4: Campus Placement Committee Review

• The Campus Placement Committee reviews the student’s case, including:

  • Student performance and progress

  • Documentation of support strategies

  • Completed Furlough Request Form

• The committee may recommend:

  • Continuation in TAG with additional support

  • Temporary furlough for a specified duration (e.g., part of a semester, full semester, or full academic year)

Step 5: Documentation and Implementation

• If approved, furlough status is documented in the student’s TAG records (both electronic records and the student’s TAG folder).

• The student remains identified as gifted and is not exited from the program.

• The student’s schedule may be adjusted accordingly.

Step 6: Support During Furlough

• A plan is developed to support the student during the furlough period.

• Regular check-ins or progress reviews may be scheduled with a counselor or TAG staff to ensure readiness for return.

Step 7: Re-entry or Re-evaluation

• At the end of the furlough period, the Campus Placement Committee will review student readiness for re-entry into TAG services.

• If a student does not return to TAG services within two consecutive years, they must be re-evaluated for placement under current screening criteria.

• A furlough is not an exit from the TAG program.

• Furlough decisions must be based on individual student needs and made with parent input.

• Documentation must be maintained throughout the furlough and re-entry process.

• A student may only be granted a furlough for a defined period, with a plan for support and follow-up.

1. Voluntary Exit (Initiated by Parent or Student):

• A parent or secondary-level student may request an exit from the TAG program at any time.

• The request must be submitted using the HPISD TAG Exit Request Form.

• A meeting with the campus TAG Coordinator is held to review the request, discuss implications, and confirm the decision.

2. Committee-Initiated Exit:

• If a student consistently struggles to benefit from TAG services, despite targeted support and a furlough period (if applicable), the campus Gifted/Talented Placement Committee may consider initiating the exit process.

• This process must include documentation of:

  • Student performance concerns

  • Differentiation and accommodations attempted

  • Intervention or support plans

  • Communication with parents

  • Any furlough granted and the outcome

• A meeting with parents is required before finalizing an exit recommendation.

Step 1: Identification of Need

• Student, parent, or staff identifies a concern about TAG placement.

• Student receives academic, social-emotional, or instructional support as appropriate.

Step 2: Furlough (if applicable)

• A furlough may be recommended before considering an exit.

• If the student remains unable or unwilling to re-engage in services following the furlough, the exit process may begin.

Step 3: Submission of Exit Request (if voluntary)

• Parent or student completes the HPISD TAG Exit Request Form and submits it to the campus TAG coordinator.

Step 4: TAG Placement Committee Meeting

• The campus GT Committee reviews student performance and any relevant documentation.

• A parent/guardian meeting is scheduled with the Campus Coordinator

• For secondary students, student input is required and will be documented.

• The committee either approves or denies the exit request, or recommends further support/intervention.

Step 5: Decision and Documentation

• If the exit is approved:

  • The decision is documented in the student’s GT records (electronic and physical file).

  • TAG services are discontinued beginning the following semester or at a designated transition point.

  • The student’s schedule is updated accordingly.

Step 6: Re-Entry Policy

• Students who have exited the TAG program must go through the full screening process to be considered for re-entry.

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• Students may not be exited from TAG services solely due to grades or behavior without documentation of differentiated instruction and support.

• All exits must be approved by the Campus Placement Committee.

• Parent consent is required for all formal exits from gifted services.

• Exited students no longer receive gifted services but may be served through general classroom differentiation as appropriate.