The goals of the Bloomfield Gifted and Talented Program are as follows:
to provide an environment that encourages divergent thinking and supports the development of originality, fluency, flexibility and elaboration;
to develop critical thinking skills and complex problem solving strategies;
to develop confidence in expressing ideas in discussions and debates;
to advance the process of inquiry through the application of skills by investigating real life situations;
to provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills through positive group interaction;
to encourage a lifelong commitment to learning.
Grades K-3: These students are given in-class enrichment from their classroom teacher with the use of lessons and activities especially developed by district staff and that are tailored to enhance grade-level skills. Staff may also supplement using provided PETS activities. Primary Education Thinking Skills is, "a systematized enrichment and diagnostic thinking skills program. Lessons are presented in convergent analysis, divergent synthesis, visual/spatial thinking, and evaluation and align to the higher levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy."
Grades 4-6: The students in each grade level meet six to eight times per month at lunchtime. They are taught by Gifted and Talented Building Coordinators. Students participate in a variety of critical thinking activities and projects throughout the year that encourage higher-order thinking skills and inquiry-based learning. They engage in STEM based design challenges, creative writing, and Mock Trials.
Grades 7-8: Students are enrolled in Gifted and Talented as part of their course schedule and meet every other day. This challenging course introduces students to topics such as Psychology, Leadership, STEM, Philosophy, the Stock Market, and the American Legal System.
Grades 9-12: Students can be enrolled in accelerated classes that lead to Advanced Placement classes. There are electives and activities and clubs that are geared toward enrichment experiences. In addition, there are several programs that are articulated with local colleges that allow students to obtain advanced credit toward higher education.
On January 13, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law A4710, the Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act. This legislation requires districts to ensure that appropriate instructional adaptations and educational services are provided to gifted and talented students in kindergarten through grade 12 to enable them to participate in, benefit from, and demonstrate knowledge and application of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards at the instructional level of the student.
The Bloomfield Public School District offers a variety of opportunities for students to enhance their intellectual, creative, artistic, academic and leadership potential. The intent of our Gifted and Talented Program is to extend the core curriculum while encouraging the development of skills in the areas of independent learning, problem solving, logic, creativity, and reasoning.
Because COVID-19 changed the landscape of instruction and modifications were made to in-person education programs, the NJDOE partnered with the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC). This partnership provides educators, parents and students resources for gifted and talented (GT) and twice exceptional students during this shift from classroom to virtual learning.
NJAGC advises parents to preview resources before using with their children. Educators and parents are also encouraged to explore the array of resources for Educators & Parents During COVID-19 provided by the National Association of Gifted Children.
Grades K-3: Classroom teachers implement differentiated instruction to challenge students who can work above grade level alongside a whole class curriculum developed to allow each student to engage in enrichment. Classroom teachers give performance feedback via a LinkIt form that considers a range of learning characteristics.
Grades 4-6: CogAT Testing Scores, Teachers College Assessment- Reading Level; STAR scores; NJSLA scores; Student Performance Criteria - Classroom Performance, Learning Characteristics, Motivational Characteristics, Creativity Characteristics, General Characteristics.. The top 10% of students in each grade level, in each elementary building, are selected for the GT pull-out program.
Grades 7-8: STAR; Marking period grades; Benchmark Assessments including Teachers College Assessment- Reading Level; Student Performance Criteria - Classroom Performance, Learning Characteristics, Motivational Characteristics, Creativity Characteristics, General Characteristics.. Students are enrolled in Gifted and Talented as part of their course schedule and meet every other day. This challenging course introduces students to topics such Psychology, Leadership, STEM, Philosophy, the Stock Market, and the American Legal System.
Grades 9-12: Historical Grades; Benchmark Assessments; teacher recommendation based on Classroom Performance, Learning Characteristics, Motivational Characteristics, Creativity Characteristics, General Characteristics.. Students can be enrolled in accelerated classes that lead to Advanced Placement classes. There are electives and activities and clubs that are geared toward enrichment experiences. In addition, there are several programs that are articulated with local colleges that allow students to obtain advanced credit toward higher education.
AP Program Eligibility based on criteria in the BHS Course Catalog
G&T Program Coordinator: Jessica Cappello
G&T Program Administrator: Angelo Locantore, Director of Student Achievement
Calendar of Events
In addition to the gifted and talented program, our elementary schools offer the following
Challenge 24
Academically Speaking
Battle of the Books
Forensics
Achievements
Past Event Photos
Essex County
Challenge 24 Competition
Bloomfield Battle of the Books winners
Fairview School
Bloomfield Challenge 24
Participants
Challenge 24 Competition
Academically Speaking
JV County Team 2025
Academically Speaking
2025
Resources