The Weehawken Township School District has formed a Gifted and Talented Committee that is composed of 1 supervisor, 1 principal, 1 child study team member, and 2 other staff members. The school-based GT Committee’s purpose is to identify and match students to the appropriate levels of service; to educate the staff, parents, and community on the characteristics of gifted learners; and to monitor the progress and services provided at the school level.
The purpose of identification is to locate those exceptional students who require special programming in order to reach their potential. The need for special programming depends on the discrepancy between a child’s development and that of his or her classmates (Lohman, 2012).
Universal screening for gifted and talented services begins in kindergarten. Teachers use data to identify students in grades K-2 who are eligible for accelerated concepts and lessons. Universal screening for gifted and talented services continues in Grade 2. A matrix with multiple data sources is used to identify students showing the potential for performing at high levels of ability when compared with other students of a similar age.
*Oral Reading level that is above grade level
*Quantile level above grade level
*Majority of “exceeds standards” on the standards-based report card for ELA and Math
The evaluation stage is a process designed to analyze the data from the screening stage to determine which students require additional services in order to reach their potential. The school GT Committee reviews student data and makes a recommendation for services. The committee assigns identified gifted and talented students to the appropriate level of service that matches their specific needs.
There is no test to enter the GT Program in the Weehawken Township School District. The primary qualification for moving a student into the GT Program would be a student's independent DRA reading and quantile levels. In addition, we would review transcripts. In order for a child to even be considered for GT placement, he or she must be reading at least one grade level above (NF or higher).
The Weehawken Township School District recognizes that children continue to grow and develop. Students are monitored and reevaluated annually to identify if there is a need for Gifted and Talented services. If their child is eligible, parents will be notified in writing.
Grade 3 students will be reevaluated mid-year for the pullout program eligibility.
Students new to the Weehawken Township School District are screened for G&T program eligibility and services.
Appeals must be submitted in writing to the building principal. These can be emailed directly to the building principal. A meeting will be coordinated to review the students’ multiple measures/data portfolio.
WTSD Board Policy 2464