1. 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

2. 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

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

4. 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

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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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)

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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.

20. 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

21. Office of Special Programs
David M. Matonis, Supervisor
ext. 252
FAX:
Wendy Minolfo, Diagnostic/ Instructional Assistant