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Westwood Regional School District's supplemental Gifted & Talented (G&T) services are designed for those students who “possess or demonstrate a high level of ability in one or more content areas when compared to their chronological peers in the school district and who require modifications to their educational program if they are to achieve in accordance with their capabilities” (C.18A:35-35).
Our continuum of Gifted & Talented services is designed to flexibly address the needs of identified students by appropriately matching services to the individual needs of students demonstrating gifted behaviors. Needs-based services are developed in accordance with Policy 2464 Gifted & Talented, New Jersey Administrative Code, Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act, and with consideration of the National Association for Gifted Children. Our identification process incorporates evidence-based practices outlined by the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and relevant empirical research. The eligibility criteria include multiple valid and reliable quantitative and qualitative measures to identify high ability and high potential in students. G&T services are delivered via a flexible tiered system of support throughout grades K-8.
Renzulli's Three-Ring Conception of Giftedness
Understanding the three rings
Understanding the three rings
Dr. Joseph Renzulli's research (2016) informs the process of identifying students with giftedness. In his research, gifted behaviors occur when there is an intersection of three human traits:
above-average general and/or specific abilities,
high levels of task commitment, perseverance, endurance, determination, hard work, and dedicated practice; and
high levels of creativity (Curious, speculative, adventurous, and “mentally playful” willing to take risks in thought and action).
Gifted and talented children are identified as those who possess or are capable of developing this composite of traits and applying them to any potentially valuable area of human performance (Renzulli & Piaget, 2005). The gifted behaviors can be found "in certain people, at certain times, and under certain circumstances” (Renzulli & Piaget, 2005, p. 1).
Renzulli Center for Creativity, Gifted Education, and Talent Development
WWrsd k-8 Mission and DEFINITion
WWrsd k-8 Mission and DEFINITion
The curriculum framework to be developed will be based on the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and designed to provide appropriate challenges to intellectually and academically advanced learners. Our mission is to facilitate student learning, achievement, and development in accordance with a learner’s abilities via appropriate standards-based extensions, enrichment opportunities, and challenges aligned with the student’s instructional level. The curriculum is dedicated to uplifting and empowering those who support children with advanced abilities.
New Jersey Administrative Code 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. [N.J.A.C. 6A:8-1.3]
"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.
wwrsd g&t goals
wwrsd g&t goals
The Westwood Regional School District Gifted & Talented Supplemental Services aspire to support identified students in meeting their potential by:
Addressing the social and emotional needs of students with giftedness;
Deepening student learning and facilitating growth;
Fostering self-reflective, analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in alignment with students’ instructional levels and the NJSLS;
Improving and enhancing students’ ability to think in novel or divergent ways;
Expanding student interests, perseverance, and performance in an atmosphere where individual strengths and uniqueness are acknowledged and celebrated;
Providing time for students to meet and interact with similar-ability peers.
We are pleased to share our 2023-2024 Gifted & Talented Services Handbook. It will provide further information about our supplemental Gifted & Talented services and processes.
Additional Resources for Gifted Education
New Jersey Resources
National Resources
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