Gifted and Talented Education

Supporting Advanced Learners at Elk Township School District

Elk Township School District is committed to identifying and responding to the educational needs of students who demonstrate advanced academic ability, exceptional potential, or a need for learning experiences beyond the general grade-level curriculum.

Gifted and Talented education is designed to provide appropriately challenging learning experiences through instructional adaptations, enrichment, advanced learning opportunities, and other services matched to students' demonstrated strengths and educational needs.

Elk Township School District implements its Gifted and Talented identification process and services in accordance with the New Jersey Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act, N.J.S.A. 18A:35-34 through 18A:35-39, and applicable New Jersey Department of Education requirements and guidance.

What Does Gifted and Talented Mean?

New Jersey defines a gifted and talented student as a student who possesses or demonstrates a high level of ability in one or more content areas when compared with chronological peers in the local school district and who requires modifications to the educational program in order to achieve in accordance with the student's capabilities.

Giftedness may be demonstrated differently by different students. A student may demonstrate advanced ability broadly, or the student may demonstrate a particular strength in a specific academic, intellectual, creative, or problem-solving area.

The purpose of identification is therefore not simply to assign a label. The identification process helps the district determine whether a student requires instructional adaptations, enrichment, advanced learning experiences, or other Gifted and Talented services in order to learn at an appropriately challenging level.

Gifted and Talented Identification Process

Elk Township School District uses an ongoing, multiple-measure identification process designed to recognize students who demonstrate advanced learning needs.

Students may be considered for Gifted and Talented services through more than one pathway. The district considers quantitative and qualitative information, including achievement data, cognitive ability data, classroom evidence, and teacher input.

Formal identification and invitation reviews are conducted twice each school year, providing students with multiple opportunities to enter the program as their achievement, abilities, and learning needs develop.

Universal Academic Screening

Elk Township School District regularly reviews available academic achievement data for students as part of the Gifted and Talented identification process.

A student who demonstrates On or Above Level performance on at least one district-approved English Language Arts assessment AND at least one district-approved mathematics assessment is automatically invited to participate in the Gifted and Talented program.

Students are not required to demonstrate On or Above Level performance on every assessment administered.

For example, a student may meet the universal academic screening criterion by demonstrating:

On or Above Level on one qualifying English Language Arts measure

AND

On or Above Level on one qualifying mathematics measure.

The specific assessments available for consideration vary according to grade level and the district's assessment schedule.

English Language Arts Measures

District-approved English Language Arts measures may include:

NJSLA English Language Arts;
Independent Reading Level Assessment (IRLA);
Achieve3000 Lexile performance; and
other district-approved measures, as applicable.

Mathematics Measures

District-approved mathematics measures may include:

NJSLA Mathematics;
STAR Math;
i-Ready Math; and
other district-approved measures, as applicable.

For purposes of Gifted and Talented screening, qualifying achievement is based upon the district-designated On Level or Above Level performance category for the applicable assessment.

Students are not required to have taken every assessment listed above.

Multiple Measures and Multiple Pathways

Standardized achievement data represent one important pathway into Gifted and Talented services, but they are not the only evidence the district considers.

Elk Township School District uses multiple measures to develop a more complete understanding of a student's abilities, achievement, performance, potential, and instructional needs.

Depending upon the student and the available information, evidence considered in the identification process may include:

state and district standardized achievement assessments;
district benchmark and diagnostic assessments;
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) results;
teacher referrals;
teacher observations and recommendations;
classroom performance and demonstrated mastery;
student work and performance;
evidence of advanced reasoning or problem solving;
evidence of creativity and innovative thinking;
evidence that a student acquires new learning rapidly or requires substantially less repetition than chronological peers; and
other relevant educational information that helps the district understand the student's strengths and instructional needs.

Multiple measures are used as multiple pathways for identifying students who may need Gifted and Talented services. They are not intended to operate as a series of hurdles that every student must pass.

No single assessment result is intended to represent the entirety of a student's abilities or educational needs.

Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)

Elk Township School District uses the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) as one source of evidence in the Gifted and Talented identification process.

The CogAT provides information about students' reasoning abilities and can provide evidence of academic potential that may not be fully represented by traditional achievement assessments.

CogAT results may be considered together with achievement data, classroom performance, teacher observations, and other relevant evidence to determine whether a student demonstrates advanced learning needs.

A CogAT score is one component of the district's multiple-measure identification process and is not intended to function as the sole determinant of Gifted and Talented identification.

Teacher Referral

Teachers play an important role in recognizing advanced learning needs that may not be fully represented by standardized assessment results.

A teacher may refer a student for Gifted and Talented consideration when classroom evidence suggests that the student demonstrates advanced ability, exceptional potential, rapid acquisition of new learning, exceptional reasoning or problem-solving ability, creativity, or a need for instructional experiences beyond the grade-level curriculum.

Teacher referral provides an additional pathway for students whose abilities or potential may not be fully captured through the district's universal academic screening process.

A teacher referral initiates consideration of the student's available evidence. Teacher referral alone does not automatically determine eligibility for Gifted and Talented services.

Students Demonstrating Exceptional Strength in One Area

New Jersey recognizes that gifted and talented students may demonstrate high levels of ability in one or more content areas.

Accordingly, the district's automatic academic screening criterion of On or Above Level performance in both English Language Arts and mathematics is not the only pathway to Gifted and Talented consideration.

A student who does not meet the automatic ELA-and-mathematics screening criterion may still be considered for Gifted and Talented services when other evidence—including CogAT results, teacher referral, classroom performance, demonstrated achievement, reasoning, creativity, or other relevant information—indicates exceptional ability, potential, or a need for advanced educational services in a particular area.

This process recognizes that an exceptionally advanced learner in one domain may require Gifted and Talented services even when the student's performance in another academic area does not meet the automatic screening criterion.

Twice-Yearly Identification and Invitation

Elk Township School District conducts formal Gifted and Talented identification and invitation reviews two times each school year.

This twice-yearly process provides students with multiple entry points into Gifted and Talented services.

First Identification Review

During the first review period, the district examines the most current achievement, ability, and classroom data available.

Students who meet the district's automatic academic screening criterion are invited to participate in the Gifted and Talented program.

Students may also be considered through the district's additional identification pathways, including teacher referral, CogAT results, classroom evidence, and other relevant information.

Second Identification Review

Later in the school year, the district conducts a second review using updated assessment, achievement, ability, and classroom data.

The second review provides another opportunity for students whose more recent performance or demonstrated abilities indicate a need for Gifted and Talented services.

Families of students invited to participate are notified following each formal identification review.

Specific identification and notification dates may vary according to the district's annual assessment calendar.

Equal Access

Elk Township School District is committed to ensuring equitable access to Gifted and Talented identification and services.

Identification procedures are designed to recognize advanced learning needs among students from all backgrounds and to consider students whose abilities may not be fully represented through traditional standardized achievement measures.

The district considers the educational needs of all students, including:

multilingual learners;
students with Individualized Education Programs;
students with Section 504 Plans;
twice-exceptional learners;
students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds;
students experiencing homelessness or other barriers to consistent educational opportunity; and
students whose potential or advanced abilities may not be fully reflected by traditional achievement measures.

A disability, language difference, economic circumstance, or participation in another educational program does not exclude a student from consideration for Gifted and Talented services.

When appropriate, the district considers available evidence in the context of the student's educational experiences and opportunities to learn.

Matching Student Needs With Services

Gifted and Talented identification is intended to help the district match students with educational experiences appropriate to their demonstrated strengths and instructional needs.

Gifted and Talented students are not necessarily identical in their abilities or educational needs. Consequently, Gifted and Talented identification does not mean that every identified student must receive precisely the same instructional experience.

Services may differ according to:

grade level;
area of demonstrated strength;
academic readiness;
instructional need;
student interest;
available programming; and
the type and intensity of instructional adaptation required.

Continuum of Gifted and Talented Services

Gifted and Talented education at Elk Township School District is not limited to a single class, activity, or program.

The district provides a continuum of services intended to address the varying strengths and instructional needs of advanced learners.

Depending upon grade level and demonstrated student need, services may include the following.

Classroom Differentiation

Teachers provide instructional adaptations within the general education classroom to appropriately challenge advanced learners.

Differentiation may include adjustments to:

instructional level;
content;
complexity;
pace;
learning process;
questioning;
student products;
independent learning opportunities; and
depth of investigation.

Advanced Instruction

Students may receive opportunities to engage with concepts, texts, tasks, or problems beyond typical grade-level expectations when evidence demonstrates readiness for more advanced instruction.

The purpose of advanced instruction is not simply to provide students with "more work," but to provide learning experiences at an appropriate level of depth, complexity, challenge, and intellectual demand.

Flexible Grouping

Students may work with peers demonstrating similar readiness, strengths, or instructional needs for particular concepts, units, investigations, or learning experiences.

Flexible grouping may change as students' learning needs change.

Enrichment and Extended Learning

Students may participate in enrichment experiences designed to develop higher-order thinking, creativity, inquiry, collaboration, research, reasoning, and problem-solving.

Opportunities may include:

interdisciplinary investigations;
STEAM learning;
research;
coding and programming;
design challenges;
creative problem solving;
academic competitions;
inquiry-based projects;
authentic applications of learning; and
other advanced learning experiences.

Academic Enrichment

When appropriate, identified students may participate in designated Gifted and Talented or Academic Enrichment experiences emphasizing:

critical thinking;
creative thinking;
complex problem solving;
inquiry;
research;
communication;
collaboration;
innovation; and
authentic application of learning.

Individualized Instructional Adaptations

When student evidence demonstrates a need for additional challenge in a particular academic area, the student's educational experience may be adapted to provide instruction that is better aligned with the student's demonstrated level of readiness.

Instructional adaptations are intended to allow Gifted and Talented students to engage with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards at their appropriate instructional level rather than being limited solely by grade-level expectations.

Family Notification

Parents and guardians are notified when their child is invited to participate in Gifted and Talented services.

Notification provides families with information regarding the student's opportunity to participate in the program and the educational services or learning experiences available.

Families are encouraged to contact the district with questions regarding their child's identification information, Gifted and Talented services, or advanced learning needs.

Questions About Identification

Parents and guardians who have questions about their child's Gifted and Talented identification, assessment information, or instructional needs are encouraged to contact the child's teacher, school administration, or the Elk Township School District Office of Curriculum and Instruction.

The district welcomes information that may help educators develop a more complete understanding of a student's strengths, abilities, and educational needs.

Program Review and Continuous Improvement

Elk Township School District periodically reviews its Gifted and Talented identification procedures, student participation, continuum of services, and professional learning practices.

The district uses this review process to support:

continued compliance with New Jersey requirements;
equitable access to identification and services;
appropriate use of multiple measures;
multiple entry points for students;
effective instructional adaptations;
professional learning regarding the needs of Gifted and Talented students; and
continuous improvement of Gifted and Talented programming.

Gifted and Talented Complaint Process

The Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act establishes a complaint process for individuals who believe that a school district has not complied with the requirements of the Act.

An individual who believes that Elk Township School District has not complied with the provisions of New Jersey's Gifted and Talented law may file a complaint with the Elk Township Board of Education in accordance with the Board's Gifted and Talented Education policy.

The Board of Education will issue a written decision affirming, rejecting, or modifying the district's action in the matter.

Following the Board's written decision, an individual may file a petition of appeal with the New Jersey Commissioner of Education through the Office of Controversies and Disputes in accordance with applicable New Jersey law and State Board of Education regulations.

Gifted and Talented Education Board Policy
Gifted and Talented Policy

Gifted and Talented Complaint Information/Procedures
COMPLAINT FORM

The Board-approved Gifted and Talented Education policy must also be linked from the Elk Township School District homepage in accordance with New Jersey law.

Legal Authority and Resources

Elk Township School District's Gifted and Talented identification procedures and educational services are governed by and informed by:

Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act, N.J.S.A. 18A:35-34 through 18A:35-39;
N.J.A.C. 6A:8, Standards and Assessment;
New Jersey Department of Education Gifted and Talented Education guidance; and
professional standards and resources for gifted education, including resources developed by the National Association for Gifted Children.

Families seeking additional information about Gifted and Talented education in New Jersey may visit the New Jersey Department of Education Gifted and Talented Education webpage.

NJDOE Gifted and Talented Website

Contact Us

For questions regarding Gifted and Talented identification, programming, or services, please contact:

Elk Township School District
Office of Curriculum and Instruction

Families may also contact their child's teacher or school administration with questions regarding their child's individual learning needs.

Gifted and Talented Home