SOAR21 and Enrichment Programming
Cresskill Public Schools
Students must receive a certain number of points on the matrix to be eligible for SOAR21. The matrix for eligibility into the program will look at the following pieces of information:
Placement in the grade based on math and reading data collected in June
Previous year NJSLA-A scores (reading and math)
Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test for verbal and nonverbal intelligence (3rd graders and new students)
Teacher Recommendation (based off a Renzulli Scale looking at leadership, learning behaviors, creativity, and motivation)
Reading Levels
After analyzing the data, populations of students who demonstrate strength in reading, writing, or math, but do not meet the required score will receive pull-out small group enrichment or in class differentiation.
Enrichment during recess can offer all students the opportunity to explore their artistic, musical, or engineering talents. Examples of recess enrichment may include, but are not limited to, playing chess, art challenges, music appreciation or a maker space. A maker space will provide the opportunity to innovate, learn from failure, and build critical thinking and problem solving skills. The freedom to tinker can open up so many avenues for creativity.
Timeline of the Identification Process
June
Request teacher recommendations
Collect end of the year reading and math data
September/October
Collect and analyze student data
Letters will be sent home if child needs to be tested
Administer additional assessments
October/November
Letters for eligibility and ineligibility for the program will be sent home
SOAR21 classes begin meeting 1.5 hours once a week
Re-evaluation:
Current students enrolled in the program must be re-evaluated for the next academic school year. If the student scores below proficiency levels in either language arts literacy or mathematics on State mandated testing, they will be monitored and the decision may be made that SOAR21 is not the right fit for them at that time. A current student in the program can also be re-evaluated if he/she is not meeting the performance expectations of the program or exhibiting poor academic performance in their regular classes. The Principal of the school will meet with the parents to make them aware of their child’s poor academic performance. The final decision to remove a student from the Gifted and Talented Program during the school year will be made by the teachers and the school Principal.
Transfer of Students:
All elementary students who have participated in gifted and talented programs prior to coming to Cresskill School District may be considered for the district's elementary Gifted & Talented Program (SOAR21). Once screening records are received from the student's previous district, the records will be examined by the elementary G/T coordinator, student's general education teacher, and school principal. If the transfer data is insufficient, the G/T coordinator and current general education teacher will continue observations to assess the need for other appropriate services. A decision will be made regarding qualification within 30 school days of the receipt of the student's G/T records from the previous district.
C.18A:35-38 Complaint for noncompliance:
An individual who believes that Cresskill has not complied with the provisions of the NJ Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act may file a complaint with the board of education and contact Christine Hickey at chickey@cresskillnj.net. The board shall issue a decision, in writing, to affirm, reject, or modify the district’s action in the matter.
Dismissal/Exit Criteria:
In addition to current year assessments and data, the following will also be considered when the committee meets to determine individual and/or the continued need for services:
Attendance and participation in SOAR21: If the child is present at school, but missing scheduled services, the child may no longer qualify for services; It is expected that students participate in classroom activities, discussions, and projects;
Quality of work in and outside of the program: Eligible students are expected to keep up with missed class work while in SOAR21; homework and other required assignments need to be completed with effort and in a timely manner. Students are expected to keep up with the pace of peers enrolled in SOAR21 and produce superior work;
Achievement/ Standardized test data: A significant decline in student performance may indicate services are no longer needed;
Parent request: Parents opt their child out of services.
Cresskill’s District Policy for G&T Students
Middle School and High School Policies and Procedures
Students receive numerous options based on interest and skill. Any enrolled student who meets the criteria for each selected course may take Accelerated, Honors, Advanced Placement and/or elective classes. For example, in middle school, a class is offered during the cycle period entitled Exploring Science Horizons. It is an innovative and dynamic 8th grade science enrichment program designed to ignite curiosity and passion for scientific exploration. Each of these classes has its own entrance requirements, curriculum and assessment practices.
To move from one level to another in honors courses, students must meet specific grade requirements. To advance from Honors/AP to the next level of Honors/AP, a minimum grade of "B-" is needed. To transition from Honors to an AP class, students need at least a "B" in their Honors class. For moving from College Prep to Honors, a minimum grade of "A-" is required. To go from College Prep to AP, students must have an "A" in their College Prep class and an "A-" on the final exam.
Students can appeal their placement by submitting an application to their guidance counselor. For middle school placements, additional criteria are considered, including a rubric that assesses multiple measures of performance.