SHERBURNE – The Talented and Gifted Program at Sherburne-Earlville is unique in every aspect. With student driven curriculum and little emphasis placed on grades, the students in the program are allowed to examine whatever topic peaks their curiosity.

“Students are selected for the TAG program based on three criteria; extraordinary grades, 90 or above, phenomenal creative problem solving and a passion to learn new information,” teacher and coordinator Jonathan Sherry said. Students who demonstrate all three characteristics are nominated for the program by their teachers and pulled from their regular schedule.

Approximately 150 students from kindergarten through the twelfth grade participate in the program, which is based on student driven curriculum, with Sherry acting as an intellectual advisor. Sherry explained how the program works, saying students can pick any topic, and once they’ve discussed their topic with Sherry, they until they have become an expert.

“They don’t get bored because they’ve chosen the topic,” Sherry said. “Once they’ve become an expert on their topic, they begin working on a project to share the information they have acquired.”