Kindergarten – Grade Two Enrichment for all Students
All students in grades Kindergarten through Grade Two are exposed to creative thinking skills. However, students are monitored by their classroom teacher with a Teacher Evaluation Checklist.A student with a score of 42 or better is identified as eligible for the K-Two infusion program.Those eligible will receive differentiated curriculum and accelerated work. Infusion strategies will be developed for each eligible student and placed in the student’s record. Students who earn scores of 42 or better in both Kindergarten and first grade, or one score of 42 or better in Kindergarten or first grade and are nominated by their second grade teacher, will be evaluated at the end of Grade Two for admittance into the Gifted and Talented Program.
Students are evaluated annually in the third trimester of the previous grade for admittance in Grades One and Two. Kindergarteners are screened during the second trimester.
Sometimes students are not recommended for GT screening by a teacher, but parents believe their child shows characteristics of a gifted learner. Parents may request to have their child screened. Parents wishing to have their child screened must reach out to their child’s building principal. A principal will meet with the parent to discuss the request.
Students new to the district in Grades One and Two will be evaluated in the Fall of the enrolling year.
Grades Three – Six
Students are assessed for the Gifted and Talented program twice a year. In the spring we start the recommendation process by asking teachers for names of students who the teachers believe show characteristics of a gifted learner. Once we have a list of nominated students, we ensure students whose available cognitive abilities test score is at or above a 125 are included in the GT selection process. Parents are then notified their child is being screened for the GT program.
Sometimes students are not recommended for GT screening by a teacher, but parents believe their child shows characteristics of a gifted learner. Parents may request to have their child screened. Parents wishing to have their child screened must reach out to their child’s building principal by May 15th. A principal will meet with the parent to discuss the request.
Depending on available scores, students may be required to take a cognitive assessment and/or the Torrance Test of Creativity. Teachers complete the Renzulli- Hartman characteristic rubric, and we examine the scores on state-mandated testing or district testing as noted in BOE policy and regulation. Once all data is compiled, we examine the student’s scores to determine if the student is eligible based on Rutherford BOE Regulation 2464. This determination is typically done by the end of August or the beginning of September. Parents are notified of their child’s scores and eligibility determination via a letter.
Linked is BOE Regulation 2464, which outlines the selection criteria by grade level. Students must earn two points to be accepted into the program. Students can earn the two points based on their cognitive assessment, the Torrance Test of Creativity (scored by Scholastic Testing Services), the Renzulli-Hartman Rubric, state/district assessment and John Hopkins GT testing. Please read the linked Regulation 2464 for more specific information.
In the fall, we screen teacher-nominated students new to the district and give a second review of any student who earned one point in the spring testing window. We make every effort to be consistent and fair to each child.
Re-evaluation:
Current students enrolled in the program must be re-evaluated if the student scores below proficiency levels in either language arts literacy or mathematics on State mandated testing.A current student in the program can also be re-evaluated if he/she is not meeting the performance expectations of the program or exhibiting poor academic performance in their regular classes.The Principal of the school will meet with the parents to make them aware of their child’s poor academic performance.The final decision to remove a student from the Gifted and Talented Program during the school year will be made by the school Principal.
Grades Seven – Twelve
Students enter the Gifted and Talented Program through self-election by selecting from a variety of Accelerated, Honors and Advanced Placement course offerings.In Grades Seven and Eight, a student must meet the eligibility requirements for the Accelerated courses to be in the Gifted and Talented Program. In Grades Nine-Twelve, students must meet the eligibility requirements for Honors or Advanced Placement to be in the Gifted and Talented Program. Criteria are based on outstanding achievement, interest and/or talent.Such achievement/accomplishments must be corroborated by student performance and data. Students in Grades 6-12 meet with their guidance counselor numerous times throughout the year for eligibility for Accelerated, Honors and Advanced Placement. Parent/Guardians who disagree with child’s eligibility for Gifted and Talented Program may speak with their child’s Principal about this decision. Data from teachers, parents, administrators, and school counselors, as well as performance on current standardized assessments, will be periodically reviewed to determine if the student still meets the eligibility criteria for continuation in the Gifted and Talented Program.
Students new to the district in Grades Seven-Twelve will be evaluated in the Fall of the enrolling year.
Complaint Process
If a parent or legal guardian has a concern about the Gifted and Talented Program selection process, programming, curriculum or noncompliance, the following steps should be followed:
- Parent or legal guardian should first contact teacher and/or guidance counselor to share concerns.
- Discuss concerns with building principal.
- Contact the Gifted and Talented Office. Information to include:
- Parent or Legal Guardian’s Name
- Child Name and DOB
- School
- Grade
- Reason for Complaint
- Complaint reviewed within 20 days and findings sent to parent or legal guardian.
- If parent or legal guardian dissatisfied with findings, parent/guardian may request a meeting with the Superintendent of Schools.
- If issue unresolved, file a complaint with Board of Education.
- If dissatisfied with Superintendent’s/Board of Education’s findings, contact the Bergen County School Superintendent, Bergen County Office of Education, One Bergen County Plaza 3rd Floor, Room 350, Hackensack, NJ 07601. A complaint submitted to the executive county superintendent may only allege noncompliance that has occurred within one year prior to the date that the complaint is submitted.
- Finally, if matter still disputed, parent or legal guardian can 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.