Gifted and Talented Program
POLICY
The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to identify gifted and talented students within the school district and to provide these students with appropriate instructional adaptations and services. To that end, the Board directs each such student in the school district be identified and offered an appropriate educational program and services.
On January 13, 2020, Governor Murphy signed the “Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act” codifying school district responsibilities in educating gifted and talented students as referenced in N.J.A.C. 6A:8-3.1.
A gifted and talented student is defined as a “student who possesses or demonstrates 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 of their educational program if they are to achieve in accordance with their capabilities.”
Glassboro School District will use multiple measures to identify gifted and talented (GT) students. Multiple indicators and sources of evidence of student assessment, of varying kinds, gathered at multiple points in time will be used in the identification process. This data will be computed using a matrix that will be analyzed to make further consideration and/or determination. The focus of identification is to provide programming and services in which students' specific learning needs and potential are appropriately addressed and met. Students enrolled in GT require modifications to the general education curriculum if they are to achieve in accordance with their abilities. By identifying a student’s general intellectual ability, creativity, or specific academic area aptitudes, we are acknowledging that they need programming and services outside of the general education/grade level curriculum to advance their learning. The identification process shall include consideration of all students, including those who are English language learners and those with Individualized Education Plans or 504 Plans.
Students enrolled in the Gifted and Talented (GT) Program will obtain appropriate instructional adaptations and services to encourage development of their special abilities in achieving the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Glassboro’s GT Program designs its practices and approach with the identified scholar in mind. Providing ongoing support to the individual scholar, their parents/guardians, teachers, and promoting community partnerships will maximize the experience for GT scholars.
The GT Curriculum is designed to help students grow as individual learners and to grow as team members. The overarching goal is for GT scholars to reach their full potential using a variety of approaches including thematic units, problem and project-based learning, technology integration, and leadership development. It is important that students develop their gifts and talents and be challenged to use them to serve the community. This ideology is a fundamental principle to promote our GT scholars to identify, develop and utilize their abilities to ignite change in the world.
GT Curriculum Continuum Outline*
*Curriculum activities may change due to unforeseen circumstances, availability and/or to better meet students’ diverse and growing needs. The district also offers other enrichment programming outside of GT. Examples include honors band, choir, after school clubs, leadership programs, accelerated math courses, and sports. We are committed to helping all students find areas of interest and provide opportunities for development.
SELECTION CRITERIA AND PROCEDURE
First through Eighth GradeThe Gifted and Talented Program (GT) provides a modified learning environment for identified students, measuring in the top percentile of ability and achievement each school year. The GT Steering Committee will identify students who qualify for services at the beginning of each school year based on local norms and multiple measures. Scores from the NNAT, MAP scores, and Academic Performance Report (student portfolios and any other grade level standardized test) will be considered. These qualitative and quantitative measures become part of a grade-level matrix; students who display the greatest need for services among their peers will receive an Enrollment Letter at the end of September into the GT Program for said school year. This will be determined based on a final composite score which is composed of all multiple measures of data.
*GT is NOT a LABEL!
Students MUST qualify each year for services.
Students’ progress is monitored throughout the year. Students must maintain both academic and behavioral excellence in school to remain in the GT pull-out program. Failure to maintain expectations may result in program furlough or an exit from the program; continued efforts will be made to align student needs with appropriate services.
Universal ScreeningIn a conscious effort to meet NAGC’s (National Association for Gifted Children) national standards, Glassboro’s Gifted and Talented (GT) Program will continue to implement Universal Screening with entire grade levels before they transition into a new building. At the end of kindergarten and fifth grade, all students will be administered the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) as part of our district's screening process for identifying students who may benefit from gifted and talented services.
Twice Exceptional Students and Multilingual LearnersA twice-exceptional (2E) student is defined as “a student who is both gifted and a student with a disability. These students may also be referred to as having dual exceptionalities or as being gifted with learning disabilities (GT/LD). This also applies to students who are gifted with ADHD or gifted with autism” (New Jersey Association for Gifted Children, www.nagc.org). Multilingual Learners (MLs) will also be monitored for eligibility, considering NNAT scores and student’s language acquisition rate with WIDA and ACCESS scores. The coordinator will collaborate with CST and/or ELL Team to determine eligibility. Students qualify in conjunction with the evaluation/s they received.
Parent/Guardian Requests and/or Newly Registered Students
Parents/Guardians can request their child be evaluated for the Gifted & Talented Program. Upon request, the Gifted & Talented Coordinator will evaluate the student and review the matrix data for consideration into the program. To ensure adequate time for the Steering Committee to fully assess newly registered students, the district will require one full school year in order to collect evidence that will serve as multiple measures of data to determine eligibility into GT.
If you wish to file a complaint regarding noncompliance with the provisions of the Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act, the process is as follows:
STEP 1: Please contact Dr. Aileen Matias-Castro, Gifted & Talented Coordinator at acastro@gpsd.us or at 856-652-2700, ext. 8132.
STEP 2: If further action is needed, please contact Mrs. Brandi Sheridan, Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction for Math & Science at bsheridan@gpsd.us or at 856-652-2700, ext. 6303.
STEP 3: If an individual believes that Glassboro School District has not complied with the provisions of this act, said person may file a complaint with Glassboro’s Board of Education by contacting Mr. Craig Stephenson, Assistant Superintendent, at cstephenson@gpsd.us or at 856-652-2700 Ext. 6305.
STEP 4: As per state law, an 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.18A:6-9 and the procedures set forth in State Board of Education regulations.
RESOURCES:
National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC). (2021). https://www.nagc.org/
New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC). (2021). https://www.njagc.org/
Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act. (2020). (N.J.S.A. 18A:35-34 through N.J.S.A. 18A:35-39)
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