Phase 1: Identification for Screening

There are three ways in which students can be identified for further screening: through the use of performance data, teacher nomination, or parent nomination. 

1. Performance Data 

At the end of each school year, the district will review assessments for all students. Through the use of a rubric, students will be identified for further screening. Listed below are some of the assessments that will be used to identify students for Phase 2 testing and to determine qualification into the gifted and talented program. Those students that are performing well above grade level expectations on multiple assessments will continue through the screening process. 

• Cognitive Abilities Screener/Assessment

• New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (3-8)

• Previous Year’s Academic Performance/Standards Mastery

• i-Ready 

• Fountas & Pinnell Independent Reading Level (K-4)

• Independent Reading Lexile (5-8)

2. Teacher Nomination 

Any teacher can recommend a student for consideration for the gifted and talented program. Teachers nominating students for further screening must complete the district’s teacher evaluation checklist and forward it to the building principal. Teacher nominations will be requested in the Spring, but are ongoing as needed.

3. Parent Nomination

Parents may nominate their child for consideration into the gifted and talented program by providing a written request to the building principal by May 15th, with the following information:

• Student Name

• Grade Level

• Homeroom Teacher

• Parent/Guardian(s) Name, Address, and Telephone Number

• Information about your child’s personal qualities that you believe are associated with exceptionality and what has made you realize that your child is exceptionally able.

• Learning/behavioral characteristics of your child associated with general intellectual ability.

Phase 2: Additional Screening

Students that are nominated by either a parent or teacher, and those students that are performing well above grade level expectations on the assessments listed above will continue through the screening process. Additional  measures will be used to determine if students qualify. The additional assessments will be administered in September/October for students in grades 1-8. 

• Screening Assessments for Gifted Elementary and Middle School Students (SAGES)

• Torrance Test of Creative Thinking 

• Scales for Identifying Gifted Students (SIGS) Home Rating Scales

• Scales for Rating Behavioral Characteristics of Superior Students 

Phase 3: Selection Process

The Selection Committee (minimum 4 members) will meet annually to review students’ educational profiles in comparison to their local chronological peers to make program recommendations. The committee will include at least one administrator, multiple teacher(s), and the school counselor.