Identification 

Whom May Be Identified:

The Prospect Park School District is dedicated to identifying and supporting Gifted and Talented students across all subgroups, ensuring equitable access to the program. It's essential to recognize that Gifted and Talented students are not a monolithic group and may come from diverse backgrounds and have varying needs.

Students identified as English Language Learners (ELL) are often underrepresented in Gifted and Talented programs nationwide. However, a student can be both culturally and linguistically diverse or in the process of learning English while also being gifted. Additionally, parents of ELL students should receive information about gifted program opportunities in their native language, as they may be unaware of the program’s full benefits or perceive it as a "label." It is crucial to ensure these parents are well-informed and supportive of their child’s participation.

Similarly, students with learning disabilities are also underrepresented in Gifted and Talented programs. These students, known as Twice-Exceptional (2e), may have both gifts and co-existing disabilities. They have an equal right to participate in the Gifted and Talented program, and when assessing them, it is important to provide the necessary IEP modifications to ensure they receive appropriate screening for the program.

For more information on Twice-Exceptional and culturally and linguistically diverse gifted students, please refer to the following resources:

• Twice-Exceptional Students - National Association for Gifted Children

• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Gifted Students

Definitions

“Gifted and talented students” means students who possess or demonstrate high levels of ability in one or more content areas when compared to their chronological peers in the local school district and who require modifications of their educational program if they are to achieve in accordance with their capabilities.

“Instructional adaptation” means an adjustment or modification to instruction enabling students with disabilities, ELLs, or students in alternative education programs or who are gifted and talented to participate in, benefit from, and/or demonstrate knowledge and application of the NJSLS. 8 “Interdisciplinary connections” means integrating NJSLS and skills from one or more content areas into instruction and assessment of another content area.

Continuum of Services: 

Continuum of services refers to the various programs students are provided because of their needs.  Students with disabilities have the equal opportunity of being identified as Gifted and Talented. Parents and teachers of students with disabilities may refer students for testing regardless of their disability. Additionally, students identified as English Language Learners, students in the Title 1 program and students who have 504 accommodations are equally eligible to participate in Gifted and Talented program.  

NNAT3 Ability Test 

The NNAT3 (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, Third Edition) is a standardized nonverbal assessment designed to measure general cognitive abilities, particularly reasoning and problem-solving skills. It is commonly used to assess cognitive abilities in children for gifted and talented programs, as well as to identify learning difficulties. The NNAT3 is unique because it minimizes the influence of language, culture, and educational background, making it a fairer test for students from diverse backgrounds.

It primarily focuses on nonverbal reasoning and visual-spatial processing through tasks like pattern recognition, analogies, and sequences. These tasks are presented in the form of geometric shapes and designs rather than words or numbers, which helps assess intellectual abilities without relying on verbal or quantitative skills.

Parent/Family Collaboration 

Parents and families are an integral part of a child’s educational experience.  To that end, it is important that the school collaborates with families of identified students.  The parent of any student identified as gifted or talented shall be consulted regarding any program designed to address the student’s particular needs.  Therefore, parents will receive a letter discussing their child’s eligibility once a child is identified as GIfted and Talented.  Additionally, parents will be consulted should there be any concerns while the child is enrolled in the Gifted and Talented Program. 

Parent Resources: 

https://www.nagc.org/resources-publications/resources-parents

Parent Concern: 

If a parent has a concern regarding the gifted and talented program, the following should take place: 

First, parents should discuss concerns with the Gifted and Talented Teacher. If not resolved the parent should contact the School Principal or Director of Curriculum and Instruction. If not resolved, the parent should contact the Superintendent.  Should the concern still not be remediated, the parent may be presented to the board of education.  Finally, the parent may file a petition of appeal of the Board’s written decision to the Commissioner of Education through the Office of Controversies and Disputes.  

Complaint: 

An individual who believes the district has not complied with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:35-34 et seq. may file a complaint with the Board of Education.  This policy for filing a complaint shall be linked to the homepage of the Board’s Internet website.  The Board shall issue a decision, in writing, to affirm, reject, or modify the district’s action in the matter.  The individual may then file a petition of appeal of the Board’s written decision to the Commissioner of Education through the Office of Controversies and Disputes in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:6-9 and the procedures set forth in State Board of Education regulations.