The State of New Jersey defines gifted and talented students as:

Those exceptionally able students who possess or demonstrate high levels of ability, in one or more content areas, when compared to their chronological peers in the local district and who require modification of their educational program if they are to achieve in accordance with their capabilities.

Key Points:

· Students are to be compared with their peers in the local school district.

· The regulations do not establish state-level criteria for giftedness nor do they require specific tests or measures be used to identify exceptional students.

· The identification process and appropriate educational challenges must begin in kindergarten and be reviewed annually through grade 12.

· The rules require district boards of education to develop appropriate curricular and instructional modifications for gifted students. Programs must address appropriate content, process, products, and learning environment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

· What is the major rationale for “gifted” programs? All students need to be challenged to their utmost potential. For students with high intellectual aptitude or who are able to rapidly apply academic knowledge, these programs help ensure that they are challenged academically and intellectually.

· How is the Gifted and Talented committee determined? The G & T committee is a district decision. The committee includes teachers, administrators and a member of the Child Study Team.

· How does student identification work? The identification of students for the participation in the gifted and talented program is conducted by a committee of educators who have been trained in the area of nature, needs, and characteristics of gifted students. The student identification process includes the nomination, screening , and placement of students.

· What are the steps in the identification process?

1. Classroom teacher or parent make initial referral.

2. Classroom teacher/parent completes referral form.

3. Coordinator obtains parent assessment consent form.

4. Coordinator obtains most recent state assessment scores.

5. SAGES II test administered.

6. Other pertinent information is gathered (records, progress reports, work artifacts).

7. The Gifted and Talented committee examines findings and makes final selections.

8. Teacher/Parents are notified of final selections.

· When does the screening of students occur? Students will be provided the opportunity to be screened, qualified, and enrolled in the gifted and talented program according to the district identification time lines. However, the nomination process is ongoing, and screening of students occurs at any time the need arises.

· What criteria does the G&T committee use during the identification process? SAGES II, State Assessments, Progress Reports, Teacher Recommendation, work artifacts.

· If my child qualifies for the Gifted and talented program, is he/she in it for their entire school career? Students identified and placed in the gifted and talented program may be reassessed no more than once in the elementary grades, and no more than once in middle school. However, reassessment may occur if; student files do not have adequate documentation of assessment data, and/or performance in the gifted program and/or regular education classes needs to be reevaluated.

· What tests are used for identification? Grades K-8 utilize the SAGES II for general intellectual examination. The NJASK 3 and 4, GEPA, and STEST 5,6, & 7 measure specific academic abilities.

· What is a GSSP? The Gifted and Talented Student Services Plan outlines the goals for identified gifted students in grades 4-8. It communicates to parents and staff the services being provided to the student. The Gifted and Talented committee is responsible for determining the type, location, and provider of services.

· Who may be contacted for additional information? Jason Bing, Supervisor of Curriculum and Special Services / Kathy Koop, Central School principal.