ParentStudentHandbook2017-18 AUG.17

academic excellence are offered opportunities in the Gifted and Talented Program. Appropriate learning challenges are instructed in pull–out classes based on critical thinking and higher level thinking skills.

Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade Students in grades kindergarten through second may qualify for the “SPARKS” program through a multi–criteria selection process. This process will begin in October, with testing in December, and qualifying students beginning classes in January. They will meet once a week when identified.

Multi–criteria Selection Process for Kindergarten through Second Grade Selection for the SPARKS Gifted and Talented Program is based on the following areas: ● Teacher Recommendation ● Reading Assessment ● Creativity Test ● MAP Testing (if applicable) ● Classroom Testing

Third through Eighth Grade In order to qualify for the third through eighth grade identified program , students are identified using multiple measures of criteria, and must have the highest number of accumulated points on the gifted and talented matrix. Identified students will participate in a gifted and talented pull–out class. Students in grades 3–5 meet for two 45–minute periods a week. Students in grades 6–8 meet once every six day cycle for a 45–minute period.

Multi–criteria Selection Process for Third to Eighth Grade Students Selection for the Gifted and Talented Program is based on the following areas: ● Cognitive Ability Test Score ● Teacher Identification ● NJASK Scores– Advanced Proficient ● Previous school year's final average of an “A” in academic areas ● MAP Scores

Continuation in Program after Selection Continuation in the Gifted and Talented Program after selection is a privilege. Students must meet each challenge to the best of their ability. They must maintain their academic standing by earning A’s and B’s in all subject areas. Each teacher of an identified student will stay in close contact with the Gifted and Talented teacher, so if there is any area of concern with the student, or if the student has received lower than a B in an academic area, necessary actions can be taken. Students receiving anything lower than a B in a subject area will be placed on probation for one marking period. A letter will be sent home to the parent indicating that the student is on probation. Any student who fails to maintain grade averages for two consecutive marking periods will not be permitted to continue in the Gifted and Talented Program. Interim reports will act as a warning for students that they may be placed on probation if grades do not improve. Gifted and Talented students on probation or removed from the program will be reviewed at the end of the marking period for reinstatement. Gifted and talented students must maintain conduct codes referenced in the school discipline policy in order to enter or remain in the program. Appeal Process Parents, teachers, and/or administration that challenge the identification process with warranted concerns may request that the individual child be reevaluated using the multi-criterion selection process. Students that are ineligible due to academic grades may be re–evaluated, upon request, at the end of each marking period.

Instrumental Music Students may choose to take up an instrument beginning in Grade 4. Band is offered as an elective in grades 6–8.

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