We are dedicated to developing all students through appropriate educational experiences in the River Edge Public Schools. The position of the National Association for Gifted Children is that “education in a democracy must respect the uniqueness of all individuals, the broad range of cultural diversity present in our society, and the similarities and differences in learning characteristics that can be found within any group of students,” and this guides our decisions. Therefore, our Board Policy for the Gifted and Talented Program takes into consideration the Gifted Programming Standards, Position Statements, and White Papers of the National Association for Gifted Children in identifying and serving gifted and talented students. 

If you would like to appeal a class placement, please follow these steps:

1. Complete the Inquiry & Appeals Google form. The form can also be accessed from the drop-down menu on this site. Once the inquiry and appeals form is completed, the district’s Gifted and Talented Coordinator will review the data and contact you. 

2. You may appeal to the Superintendent in writing if you believe the district has not complied with the provisions in the law.

3. If the parent/guardian remains unsatisfied, the family may file a petition of appeal to the Commissioner of Education through the Office of Controversies and Disputes. 

Here is the G&T Manual for your reference.

During the month of September, teachers are completing all the beginning of year assessments, as per the assessment calendar that was shared and posted.   Once these fall assessments are completed, the G&T Coordinator then begins the data analysis, students review and evaluation of all students in the district.  Please review the G&T Identification Criteria Matrix, to see what specific assessments are used for criteria for each grade.  This also includes the range of points which can be earned.  Once all assessments are completed, we review the range of scores for every assessment in each grade and define the score bands or ranges of scores that quantify the points earned.  Cut scores are determine and criteria defined for both TIER III And TIER II programs.  Please select the IDENTIFICATION CRITERIA from the G&T drop down menu for this year's specific cut scores and criteria, as they change each year with different pools of students.

We will be following the same tiered model of support as we piloted last year. Similarly, the weighted scoring for difference band widths of scores will also continue.  This process takes a few weeks typically, as we must review all data and students for both TIER III (REignite) and TIER II (Enrichment).  Invitation letters are sent out via the Genesis Parent Portal.

The River Edge School District is committed to providing differentiation of instruction that is based on each and every student’s needs in all areas of the curriculum. While our classroom teachers will differentiate within the classrooms, educators will also meet with identified students outside of their classrooms. As classroom teachers deliver differentiation during general classroom instruction they will often receive support and resources from the Gifted and Talented (G&T) team of professionals.  River Edge is committed to providing the best and most challenging opportunities and experiences to all students. Pull out services will focus on assisting identified students with the successful completion of self-driven proposals.

• Allow students to participate in learning opportunities that peak their curiosities and broaden their perspectives. 

• Provide engaging experiences that encourage students to exercise their creativity, critical thinking, logic and problem solving skills.

• Apply the scientific method and the research process within student driven proposals so that students may actively demonstrate their abilities to plan, self monitor and evaluate learning experiences.

The River Edge Board of Education chose Gifted and Talented education as a district goal during 2021-2023.  We undertook a large review of our current programming as well as researched and investigated best practices from other districts.   This comprehensive effort culminated in the publication of our G&T program review, proposal, and mission for the future.  These findings and recommendations were presented to district administrators and the Board of Education and adopted for the 2023-2024 school year when they were piloted.  The 2024-2025 school year represents Year Two of our new G&T tiered approach to programming.

A major change is the adoption of the Tiered Model of support:

• Tier I is Universal support (additional opportunities like STEAM, clubs, competitions)

• Tier II is Targeted support (Academic enrichment)

• Tier III is Intensive support (Pull our integrated G&T, formerly C.R.E.A.T.E., now launched and rebranded as REignite and extended to all grades, not just 3-6.)

Please refer to G&T Program Document and Parent Information slides shared on the district G&T site for all the specifics and rationale about our review and recommendations going forward.  The Tiering Model is included below for your reference.