New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:8-3.1 defines students who are gifted and talented as those students who possess or demonstrate high levels of ability in one or more content areas when compared to their chronological peers in the local district and who require modification of their educational program if they are to achieve in accordance with their capabilities.

The identification process shall include consideration of all students K-12 , including those who are English language learners and those with Individualized Education Plans or 504 plans. Students who would benefit from the services of the Gifted and Talented Program would be admitted at the designated grade level and would participate with his/her peers. Identification is based on multiple criteria and students receive services based on their needs.

K-2

• Teacher Recommendation 

• Scale of Performance Criteria - Renzulli Characteristics

• Teaching Strategies GOLD  (Math and Language) - K only

• Slosson

• Parent Nomination and Input

• Reading and Mathematics Benchmarks

• Student Portfolio

• Natural talent aptitude in any of the following areas:  artistic, oral, musical, or creative 

3-8

• Teacher Recommendation

• Scale of Performance Criteria - Renzulli Characteristics

• Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT 8)

• Parental Nomination and Input

• NJSLA scores

• Reading and Mathematics Benchmarks

•  Student Portfolio

• Natural talent aptitude in any of the following areas:  artistic, oral, musical, or creative 

Selection Process

• Administer standardized tests by student grade level.

• Collate pertinent information including recommendations, student portfolio, scale of performance criteria, and benchmark assessment scores.

• Notify parents of acceptance status and program criteria.

• Request written parental consent for student participation in the program.

No single piece of evidence permanently qualifies/disqualifies a student's identification

High School programming is through accelerated coursework and entrance to courses is based on assessment results, prerequisites, review of grades, teacher nomination and parent nomination.

The educational and enrichment needs of gifted students are addressed via:

• STEAM Academy 

• Advanced Placement Courses

• Honors Classes 

• Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) is an educational program that provides high school students with the opportunity to take Syracuse University courses in their own schools during the regularly scheduled school day classes.

• Partnerships with Kean University, New Jersey City University, Fairleigh Dickinson University and Bergen Community College that offer college credit courses to high school students.