Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District Gifted and Talented Programs An overview presented by: Cheryl Dyer, Assistant Superintendent David Matonis, Supervisor of Special Programs January 27, 2010

Five Distinct Programs Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) Academically Independent Classes (AI) Enrichment Classes (E) in math and language arts literacy Honors level classes Advanced Placement level classes

BRRSD Advanced Placement and Honors A Subject Specific G&T Program Grades 9-12

Honors and Advanced Placement Classes (9-12) Content area specific Available in several areas: Math English World Languages Science Social Studies Business Education Art Entrance is based on academic performance in the content area Continued participation is based on academic performance in the course

BRRSD Enrichment “E” Program A Subject Specific G&T Program Grades 5-8

What is the “E” Program? Ability grouping in some subjects LAL and math Identification begins in 4th grade Multiple criteria used in selection Content specific Continued participation in subsequent grades is dependent on academic performance in the class A grade of B- or higher is required

BRRSD Academically Independent (AI) Program A Self-Contained G&T Program Grades 2 - 6

What is the AI Program? Accelerated and enriched curricula in some subjects Math Language Arts and Reading Ability grouping for the entire day Multiple criteria used for selection Cognitive ability Performance on academic assessments Teacher input

What are the AI Placement Criteria? Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), a computerized adaptive multiple choice assessment in reading, language, science, and mathematics Note: MAP for Science will not be part of the decision-making criteria. It is being administered for instructional information only. Writing Sample administered to all students

What are the AI Placement Criteria? Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT): Multiple-choice-based assessment provides information regarding abstract conceptualization in relationship to age and grade-level. The Verbal Battery, Quantitative Battery, and Nonverbal Battery of the CogAT are administered. Teacher input regarding observable classroom characteristics such as independence, advanced articulation, and concept application.

How Many Children Are Accepted? 2nd Grade (new cohort) Approximately 3-5% of the grade level 700 1st grade students 120 students typically apply 21-35 students could be accepted 3rd Grade-6th Grade (existing cohorts) No set number New students must match academic profile of existing cohort Cohort size remains at 3-5% of grade level

Current Cohort Sizes Grade Level # of students 2nd Grade going to 3rd Grade 26 3rd Grade going to 4th Grade 40 4th Grade going to 5th Grade 40* 5th Grade going to 6th Grade 6th Grade going to 7th Grade 48** *Students in 4th and 5th grade AI classes are given the option of remaining in AI or going into one or both E classes. **Students in 6th grade are automatically eligible for E LAL at the Middle School; all 6th grade students are assessed for grade 7 mathematics placement.

Common Characteristics of AI Students Independence Ability to analyze abstractly Ability to learn at a quick rate Intense curiosity and observational skills Age-sophisticated verbal skills

Common Characteristics of AI Students Ability to grasp advanced mathematical and linguistic concepts Uniquely developed sense of humor Ability to focus for long periods of time Ability to persevere on challenging tasks Exhibition of sustained effort

More characteristics: Takes initiative in a leadership role Advanced receptive and expressive language skills Ability to re-contextualize knowledge Unusually creative and original imaginations Good memory (short-term, working, long-term)

Where are the AI classrooms located? Current school year: Grades 5 and 6 are at Hillside and IKE* Grades 3 and 4 are located at Adamsville School. Grade 2 is located at Hamilton School. Next school year: Grades 5 and 6 will be at Hillside and IKE* Grades 2 and 4 will be at Adamsville Grade 3 will be at Hamilton *In order to balance class sizes, new AI students in 5th and grade 6th might not attend their ‘home’ school.

What are the E Placement Criteria? Multiple Assessments: Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) content area assessment specific to reading/language and/or mathematics. Writing Sample Teacher Input regarding observable classroom characteristics such as independence, advanced articulation, and concept application.

More About “E” How many students are accepted? As many as meet the eligibility criteria for the content area AI and E combined can represent approximately 20% of the grade level Where are the classes located? E classrooms for Grades 5 and 6 are located at each of the two Intermediate Schools-Eisenhower and Hillside. E classrooms for grades 7 and 8 are at the Middle School

Review of Testing Timeline: Administration of the CogAT will be on Saturday, February 20, 2010. Administration of MAP assessments will occur during the month of March 2010. Registration for these assessments will be available online today, January 27. Check the website for updates.

How are students and parents notified? AI and E placement decisions are mailed to parents/guardians as soon as the scores are in and the data is analyzed Parents/guardians receive the testing report on the student Parents are given a few days to accept or decline the acceptance

Office of Special Programs David M. Matonis, Supervisor dmatonis@brrsd.k12.nj.us 908.685.2777 ext. 252 FAX: 908.231.8482 Wendy Minolfo, Diagnostic/ Instructional Assistant wminolfo@brrsd.k12.nj.us