The Holmdel Township Board of Education is committed to identifying and supporting gifted and talented students in accordance with the Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act (NJ-A4710). Our policy ensures that:

• Identification: A comprehensive K-12 needs assessment process uses multiple measures, such as intellectual ability, creativity, and academic performance, to identify gifted students. The process considers all students, including English language learners and those with special education needs.

• Instructional Adaptations: Gifted students receive tailored modifications to engage with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards at their instructional level. These may include differentiated instruction, academic competitions, and enrichment lessons with specialists.

• Curricular Development: Teachers create and implement curricula designed to challenge advanced learners. These plans are regularly reviewed and aligned with standards from the National Association for Gifted Children.

• Professional Development: The district invests in ongoing training for educators to enhance instruction for gifted and talented students.

• Compliance and Reporting: The district submits regular reports on gifted services to the New Jersey Department of Education, detailing identification practices, student demographics, and staff training.

• Parental Involvement: Parents are involved in planning and are notified of their child’s placement in gifted programs.

• Complaint Process: Parents or community members who believe the district is not compliant with state regulations can file a formal complaint, with procedures available on the district's website.

To read the full Board of Education Policy, please click here.

The gifted and talented services in Holmdel Township Public Schools are needs-based and designed, in accordance with NJ-A4710: Strengthening Gifted Education Act, for those students who, when compared to their chronological peers, possess or demonstrate exceptionally high levels of ability in one or more content areas. 

Through a tiered system of support, G&T services provide additional and appropriate educational challenges and opportunities to meet the needs of identified students. The curricula for the various Gifted and Talented programs are created by the teachers, designed to provide appropriate challenges to intellectually and academically advanced learners, and approved by the Board of Education. 

The term “gifted” recognizes exceptionality in aptitude or achievement that requires appropriately differentiated services in order for the student to reach their full potential.

Any individual who believes that the district has not complied with the provisions in the law or administrative code related to gifted and talented services may file a complaint with the Board of Education. The complaint shall be submitted via this Google Form to the Board of Education office. The Superintendent or designee shall take the necessary actions to correct or remediate the complaint and report such actions to the Board of Education. The Board of Education shall issue a decision, in writing, to affirm, reject, or modify the district’s action in the matter.

If the complaint is not resolved to the individual’s satisfaction or the individual is not satisfied by the written decision of the Board of Education, the individual may then file a petition of appeal of the Board of Education’s written decision to the Monmouth County Commissioner of Education through the Office of Controversies and Disputes in accordance with law (N.J.S.A. 18A:6-9) and the procedures set forth in the State Board of Education regulations.

Please be advised that this form is used only to complain about the district's noncompliance with the New Jersey Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act, not to appeal the district's decision on a child's placement or denial of gifted and talented services.