Classroom teachers of children in the early primary grades will utilize data points including (but not limited to) iReady, DIBELS testing, Fountas & Pinnel, and district benchmark assessments to identify high-performing students.
It is the classroom teacher’s responsibility to differentiate to meet the needs of gifted learners. The Pathways to Excellence Staff is available to support teachers by providing enrichment materials, project-based tasks, and suggestions for personalized learning opportunities as needed.
Identified students in grades 3-5 meet with an enrichment specialist for two sessions per week to foster critical and creative thinking skills. Sixth graders attend sessions on a weekly basis, while seventh and eigth grade students meet daily for one marking period. Interdisciplinary lessons are planned and focus on a particular theme for the year. In addition, inquiry-based tasks, service learning opportunities, differentiated projects and products are offered to the students in conjunction with the weekly lessons when appropriate.
Pathways staff members design and implement STEAM challenges and enrichment challenges for classes throughout the district incorporating science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Lessons are delivered in an inquiry and project-based format.
Take a look at some of our sample units!
THE CRANFORD HIGH SCHOOL CTE Academy Programs
Participating in one of the many Cranford High School CTE-Academy Programs can help students navigate their way to success in college and career placements. In total, there are 16 Career Clusters in the National Career Clusters Framework, representing more than 79 Career Pathways and are supported by the NJ Department of Education (NJDOE). Cranford High School has modeled 13 CTE-Academy Programs based on the NJDOE guidance that will transform our current offerings and expand to new opportunities. Each year in January we will ask incoming 9th grade students that would like to apply to participate in an Academy program to fill out a brief application. See the attached slideshow for more information.
Check out the brochures for all available academies:
For additional information, contact one of the Cranford High School administrators.
Mark Cantagallo
Tom Manzo
Anthony Good
Lisa Burfeindt