New Jersey Gifted and Talented Definition
New Jersey Department of Education: The regulations (New Jersey Administrative Code. 6A:8-3.1) define gifted and talented students 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 (New Jersey Department of Education).
The New Jersey Administrative Code requires that students be compared to their chronological peers in the local school district. The New Jersey Department of Education has not established state-level criteria for identifying students who are gifted, such as mandated tests or assessments, grade point averages, or IQ scores. Local school districts must use multiple measures to identify students (New Jersey Department of Education).
According to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:8-3., district boards of education must make provisions for an ongoing K-12 identification process for gifted and talented students that includes multiple measures. Some examples might include, but are not limited to, the following: achievement test scores; grades; student performance or products; intelligence testing; and parent, student, and/or teacher recommendation. Local school districts should ensure that the identification methodology is developmentally appropriate, nondiscriminatory, and related to the programs and services offered (e.g., using math achievement to identify students for a math program). (New Jersey Department of Education).
Midland Park Jr./Sr. High School Gifted & Talented Committee
The Midland Park Jr./Sr. High School Gifted & Talented Committee will consist of the principal (or administrative designee), guidance counselor, child study team member, classroom and/or special area teachers. The committee will be responsible for overseeing the nomination process, approving qualified candidates and designing/monitoring a program specific to the student’s needs.
Identifying Gifted & Talented
Midland Park Jr./Sr. High School will evaluate and review all students that are brought to the attention of the gifted and talented committee. The Midland Park School District uses multiple measures in the evaluation and identification process for gifted and talented students. This identification is made in comparison with the student’s district-level chronological peers. The committee will thoroughly assess each nomination and determine if a gifted and talented program is appropriate. If identified, what program(s) would best fit the student’s needs will be determined by the committee.
Referrals, Nominations and Assessment for Gifted & Talented
Referrals and nominations may be made to the gifted and talented committee by students, parents, teachers, administration, child study team members, guidance counselors, special area subject teachers and other pertinent school district staff. The committee will be responsible for collecting and gathering appropriate documentation that supports the referral. This documentation and information may include, but is not limited to the many multiple measures listed below:
- Official school records
- Cognitive ability tests
- Report card grades/mid-term reports/final grades
- Placement exams
- Daily assignments, quizzes, projects, tests
- Teacher evaluations (formal and informal)
- Teacher evaluation (Renzulli Scale)
- IQ scores
- Standardized test results
- Comparison of local norm data
- New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) reports (formerly PARCC)
- Creativity
- Leadership
- Classroom observations
With the review of the above (and any other relevant information), the committee will determine if the nomination necessitates additional data/student information. Assessments and evaluation requirements may be waived, substituted or altered for students with learning disabilities, and/or cultural/diverse backgrounds and English language learners.
Gifted & Talented Notification
Upon completion of the review process, the gifted & talented committee will decide if the student is eligible for gifted and talented. If nominated, with written permission from the parents/guardians, the student will begin receiving gifted and talented services.
Gifted & Talented Implementation
Students in grades 7-12 that are identified for the gifted & talented program are provided with opportunities that should match the student’s specific needs. The Midland Park School District provides a wide array of opportunities. This may include, but is not limited to:
- Advanced placement classes
- Dual enrollment class offerings
- Honor level classes
- College prep level classes (with modifications made by teacher)
- Option Two - Internship programs (designed to specifically meet the needs of the learner)
- Specific, targeted differentiated instruction
- Extended/supplemental classroom activities
- Extracurricular activities (clubs, leagues, etc.)
The amount of time that is needed for implementation may vary depending on the specifics for each individual program. Program adaptions may be made with supplemental materials and activities designed to extend beyond classroom instruction.
Gifted & Talented Review
In grades 7-12, the gifted & talented committee will perform an annual review of each student. Additional reviews and screenings during the course of the year may also be conducted when/if necessary. This review will consist of gathering data from the student’s teacher(s) and other staff members involved in the program. A final review conducted at the end of each school year will determine future consideration for the program. Upon the findings of the review, the student’s program will be evaluated to ensure that the learning needs are being met and that the student is accomplishing the expected tasks and goals within the program. All students in the gifted and talented program are monitored during the course of the school year and at any time may be removed from the program based on a formal request from a student/parent or the committee. In this event, a student may re-enter the program based on further evaluation from the committee, pertinent feedback from necessary school staff and other relevant information provided by students/parents.
Gifted & Talented Appeal/Complaint Process
The gifted and talented appeal process is available to students and parents. The appeal should be in written form and notify the principal and/or guidance counselor as to the reasons why the student should be considered for placement. Additionally, at the time of appeal, information can be provided that may not have been previously available (example: standardized test scores, current grades).
Gifted & Talented Additional Resources
NJ Department of Education Gifted & Talented Home
NJ Department of Education G & T Resources
National Association for Gifted Children