Gifted And Talented

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Gifted and Talented Program Contacts

Assistant Superintendent & Supervisor of Gifted and Talented

Suzanne Luck-Born ([email protected])

Jill Czyzyk ([email protected])
Gifted and Talented Educator (Grades K-5) at Cambridge, Indian Fields, Monmouth Junction

Mary Desai ([email protected]Gifted and Talented Educator (Grades K-5) at Constable, Greenbrook


Marcia Walker (
[email protected])Gifted and Talented Educator (Grades K-5) at Brooks Crossing, Brunswick Acres, Cambridge


 

About the G&T Program...

As a district, we believe many of our children possess special talents and gifts. Through comprehensive K-12 Gifted and Talented Services, it is our professional responsibility to recognize and nurture those talents as they emerge. According to The Javits Act, gifted and talented students, "give evidence of higher performance capability in such areas as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields.' Our mission is to develop the whole child by offering an overall enriching environment that enhances the child's development in a natural school setting, as well as offering experiences beyond the regular classroom.

 

The South Brunswick School District Gifted and Talented Services are centered on a three-tiered approach to afford flexibility to meet the varying needs, abilities and interests of students. The elementary program is delivered through thematic cycles, with each cycle having an emphasis on 21st Century and Technology Standards. There is a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Three elementary teachers travel to the seven elementary schools following a rotating schedule.

Tier 1 Elementary Services Tier 2 Elementary Services Tier 3 Elementary Services
Enrichment Within the Regular Classroom Enrichment Beyond the Regular Classroom Advancement or Acceleration Above Grade Level
  • Differentiation in the Classroom
  • Extended Learning Opportunities
  • Flexible Grouping
  • Balanced Literacy
  • Elementary Thematic Cycles
  • Enrichment Events
  • Enrichment Clubs
  • Small Groups
  • Elementary Math Grade Level Acceleration
  • Elementary Full Grade Level Acceleration

Secondary (6-12) Gifted and Talented Tiers
The South Brunswick School District Gifted and Talented Services are centered on a three-tiered approach to afford flexibility to meet the varying needs, abilities and interests of students. The secondary program for students in middle and high school is delivered through advanced academic courses. The content supervisors at each level are most knowledgeable about prerequisites for these advanced courses.

Tier 1 Secondary Services Tier 2 Secondary Services Tier 3 Secondary Services
Enrichment Within the Regular Classroom Enrichment Beyond the Regular Classroom Advancement or Acceleration Above Grade Level
  • Differentiation in the Classroom
  • Extended Learning Opportunities
  • Enrichment Events
  • Enrichment Clubs
  • Advanced Courses

 

Gifted and Talented Identification
According to (N.J.A.C. 6A:8-3.1) gifted and talented students 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. The regulations require that students be compared to their chronological peers in the local school district. New Jersey does not have state-level criteria such as mandated tests or assessments, grade point averages, or IQ scores. Local school districts must use multiple measures to identify students.

Tier 1 Services
Within the Regular Classroom
Tier 2 Services
Beyond the Regular Classroom
Tier 3 Services
Advanced or Accelerated
Coursework
  • Pre/Post Assessments
  • Standardized Test Scores
Interest and Talent Driven Advanced Coursework
  • Highest Local and Standardized Assessment Results
  • Teacher Input
  • Prerequisite Course Grades
  • District Assessment Tools
  • Portfolios/Performance Tasks
  • Running Records
Elementary Thematic Cycles:
Local and Standardized Assessments, Teacher and/or Parent Input
Mathematics Acceleration:
Highest Local and Standardized Assessment Results
  • Anecdotal Notes
  • Teacher Observations

Grade Level Acceleration:
  • Assessment Results
  • Teacher Input
  • Committee Review


South Brunswick Frequently Asked Questions About Gifted And Talented


How does the Gifted and Talented Program work in South Brunswick?

  • Middle and high school programming is through accelerated coursework, and entrance to courses is based on assessment results, prerequisites, and teacher nomination.
  • Elementary school services follow a cyclical approach. Each school population participates in three theme-based projects throughout the course of the year. 
  • Elementary Online Program: For a selected group of students an online learning program is also available. These students are selected based on criteria and previous participation in the Gifted and Talented Program.

  • What criteria is used for elementary program eligibility?

    • The top 3%-5% of students are considered gifted by national standards. South Brunswick also identifies this percentage of students.
    •  Specific criteria include, but are not limited to:  standardized test scores (when available and appropriate), district assessment data, report card indicators, portfolio assessments and reading level.  Additionally, parent input and teacher feedback about classroom performance is considered.
    • Students who qualify for one cycle might not be identified for other cycles. Parents are notified if their child qualifies before the start of each cycle.

    Can a parent nominate his/her child for G & T screening?

    You can fill out the parent input form by clicking on this link: https://goo.gl/forms/ulxUeFjyKvJ8BFAC2 Completion of the form will result in a second review of your child's assessment data and current academic progress/performance. This review does NOT guarantee that your child will participate in the G&T program

    When a student transfers to South Brunswick how is eligibility determined?

    We review records supplied by the parent or previous school district including standardized test scores and report cards. We will also screen students identified through the registration process, and/or teacher or parent recommendation

    What does the elementary program look like?
    An opportunity for identified students in a particular aptitude to participate in a small group, theme-based activity or project cycle. 
    For each cycle students work with a G&T educator for approximately 45-60 minutes per session during their regular school day. 
    Kindergarten and first grade services begin in the classroom with differentiation provided by the classroom teacher. The G & T educator pushes in to these environments.