How does New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C.) define a student who is gifted and talented?
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. (Source: NJDOE)
Goals:
The Rahway Public School District Gifted and Talented goals are aligned with the goals of the district including:
- Raise achievement levels.
- Prepare students to make a positive contribution to our society.
- Provide for students’ self-esteem, self-discipline, growth and development.
- Create a community of life-long learners.
- Promote professionalism and well-being among our staff.
- Develop a positive school climate for learning.
The students will:
- investigate topics, issues and areas of in-depth study not ordinarily perused in the regular classroom.
- participate in activities that foster creative thinking, problem-solving, and higher mental processes such as analysis, synthesis and evaluation.
- use advanced and varied forms of resource materials related to their individual area of interest.
- develop appropriate outlets for their creative and productive talents.
- develop independent learning skills and self-directedness in planning and carrying out individual projects.
- develop a better understanding of self and the ability to recognize and deal with feelings related to their giftedness.
- develop the ability to communicate and cooperate effectively with persons of similar and differing intellectual abilities.
- develop leadership skills and decision-making ability.
- assume responsibility for their work.
- explore a variety of subject areas, including but not limited to Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science and Technology.
Identification Criteria:
Identification and Selection of students:
All identification of students for the Gifted and Talented program is done using multiple measures. These include: grades, teacher recommendation, NJSLA scores, CogAT testing, and Accelerated/Learning Characteristics Checklist.
Timelines:
GRADES K -2
Assessment of students is completed as follows: Kindergarten – January, Grades 1 and 2 – end of first marking period.
GRADES 3-6
In the fall of each year, parents will be informed of their child’s eligibility for the Program. Once a parent receives the notification, he/she must return the permission slip in order for the student to participate in the Program.
New and Transfer Students:
Students new to the district will be identified using information from their permanent records or a district screening.
Appeals Process:
Students whose parents feel they were not identified appropriately through the selection process may appeal to the building principal of the school their child attends. The parent submit a written statement explaining why he or she feels their child should be granted admittance in the Gifted and Talented Program. In addition the student may be asked to submit a portfolio of work A meeting will be held between the parents and principal to discuss and review student performance.
Complaint Process:
An individual who believes that the district has not complied with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:35-34 et seq. may file a complaint with the Board of Education. The Board shall issue a decision, in writing, to affirm, reject, or modify the district’s action in the matter. The 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.A. 18A:6-9 and the procedures set forth in State Board of Education regulations.
G&T Complaint Form