Gifted & Talented
The Bay Head School District believes that every student has the capacity to thrive when provided with the right learning environment. Students of all abilities benefit from learning alongside one another through a range of shared experiences. In the earliest years, children flourish in creative, engaging settings that emphasize hands-on exploration, imaginative play, and problem-solving. As students grow, some may demonstrate advanced academic abilities, making it essential that teachers are equipped to recognize individual talents and that the district offers programs and opportunities to help students persevere and excel.
All students who enter the district will participate in the assessments used to identify gifted and talented learners. Those who meet the established criteria will be placed in the appropriate courses or programs designed to nurture their strengths and extend their learning.
According to the NJDOE students who are gifted and talented are “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.” (N.J.A.C. 6A:8-1.3)
Resources for Parents, Students, and Teachers:
Six Strategies for Gifted Learners
NJ Association for Gifted Children
Hoagies' Gifted Education Page
Gifted & Talented Identification Process
- Our identification process begins with Renzulli's Talent Pool Identification Plan. With the Talent Pool approach, the intent is to be inclusive, to "cast a wide net." Every child in grades K-8 will be assessed, even if parents or teachers do not nominate a student.
- Multiple measures of data are collected on every student in that pool. Data includes:
- Feedback from previous year teacher
- Feedback from current year teacher
- Standardized test scores
- NJSLA - if available
- AimsWeb - spring and fall assessments
- Student grade point average
- DRA level and/or work samples
- COGAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) - administered in the spring
- The data for each candidate is reviewed by administration. There is no standard "cutoff number," as it fluctuates based on the instructional levels of the class.
- Parents will be notified of their child’s placement in Gifted & Talented instruction, which will take place during their child's scheduled “What I Need” (WIN) period.
Gifted & Talented Education in Bay Head School
Our instructional framework aims to provide personalized learning experiences for every student based on what each student needs. As in years past, every grade level has time built into the schedule that promotes a prescription for growth and success. WIN (which stands for “What I Need”) is a time when teachers personalize instruction to further meet the unique needs of each learner in every classroom. It is a period of reinforcement, support, and/or enrichment. WIN time provides students with small group instruction, targets specific skill area(s) that are required to become proficient in grade level standards, and allows for maximum growth.
Students identified for Gifted & Talented instruction participate in a WIN period that amplifies their strengths and helps them to grow beyond grade level standards and expectations.The curriculum enriches grade level content and also expands beyond the general education curriculum, typically through project-based learning tailored to the students’ individual interests and strengths.
Policy
Gifted and Talented Pupils - Policy 2464
Complaints for Noncompliance
Click here to file a complaint for noncompliance with the Bay Head School District.