ASMSA-TIP wraps successful first year, will expand for 2024-25

When the Duke Talent Identification Program, more commonly known as Duke TIP, shuttered in 2020, its closure left a void for students, educators and schools throughout the southeastern region of the United States.

Duke TIP previously provided gifted and talented students in middle school with various educational resources, such as the opportunity to take the ACT early. That gap included hundreds of students throughout Arkansas. To address that need, the ASMSA Talent Identification Program launched for Arkansas seventh-graders in September 2023.

Just as with the previous program, ASMSA-TIP offers participants a voucher that allows them to take the ACT as an “above-level” test, a standardized assessment that is designed for a higher grade level. Participants also receive a monthly e-newsletter with specific content for gifted and talented students and their parents, quarterly webinar sessions with Gifted and Talented (GT) professionals as well as access to activities and experiences designed to identify and develop talent.

Dr. Ashley Hicks, ASMSA’s outreach coordinator, said TIP students participated in activities such as Summer@ASMSA, a weeklong residential camp experience, and the AMC 8, a test sponsored by the American Mathematics Competition which ASMSA hosted for Arkansas students.

“Participating in activities helps students gain confidence in content and learn what they could know and not just what they should know for their grade level,” Hicks said. “Through our virtual and inperson activities, students and families are connected to one another and given the opportunity to build networks that extend beyond their current school district/GT environment.”

Participants’ parents said the program provided a place for their student to fit in socially as well as to stay engaged in academics, Hicks said. ASMSA hosted a ceremony in June where participants were recognized for their achievements on the ACT.

Interest in the first year of the program was strong as it served 232 middle school students from 38 Arkansas counties. Participants came from 60 schools, and 48 also attended a Summer@ASMSA camp. The top three students in the AMC 8 held at ASMSA in January were TIP scholars.

“We are extremely pleased with our first year of the ASMSA Talent Identification Program,” said Jason Hudnell, director of admissions. “I have been incredibly impressed with the bright young minds of our participants from all corners of the state. The success of this pilot year will no doubt serve as a springboard as we look to expand opportunities of TIP to reach even more students in the upcoming school year.”

ASMSA-TIP will include students in grades 6-8 in 2024-25. Hicks said the first-year success confirms the need for this kind of program in Arkansas.

“I believe that ASMSA-TIP helps to meet a need in the Arkansas educational landscape that has been missing since we lost Duke TIP,” Hicks said. “Several of our success this year wouldn’t have been possible without partnerships with educational co-op GT specialists and GT coordinators/educators at specific school districts.”

The program is made possible through grants from the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation and the Ross Foundation. Additional information is available at asmsa.org/tip.