Holmdel Township Schools recognizes and follows best practices, as outlined by NAGC and APA for formal identification and placement of children under age 9 into Gifted and Talented Services:
According to the National Association for Gifted Children, identification policies and procedures are determined at the district level. Because no two gifted children are alike, it is important to collect information on both the child's performance and potential through a combination of objective (quantifiably measured) and subjective (personally observed) identification instruments in order to identify gifted and talented students.
According to the American Psychological Association, IQ testing in children can have a margin of error as high as 18 points. IQ scores are fluid until age 11, and some intelligence and aptitude tests have social biases.
Therefore, Holmdel Township Schools will offer appropriate services to students whose data exhibit performance and potential in the gifted range in comparison to their local cohort, when members of the Gifted and Talented committee observes any of the following:
Norm-referenced data, including, but not limited to:
A norm-referenced aptitude test
A norm-referenced creativity test
Standardized tests including, but not limited to State Assessments data
Any other relevant information if deemed appropriate
Criterion-referenced data, including, but not limited to:
NWEA MAP Growth Assessments indicating High Achievement and low growth.
Teacher Observation and anecdotes
Parent Observations and anecdotes
Teacher and parent responses on the district-approved rating scales or checklists
Student work samples
Any other relevant information if deemed appropriate
Student Educational Profiles
Compiled by the District Gifted and Talented Specialists, the student’s parents, and the teachers to gain an academic or artistic case study approach to offer a more comprehensive process. Case studies may include data, observations, and growth demonstrated in various settings.