The NJSBA has updated policy 6171 concerning gifted and talented programs.
P.L. 2019, c. 338N.J.S.A. 18A:35-34 through N.J.S.A. 18A:35-39), Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act, defines the district’s responsibilities for the provision of gifted and talented programs and services.
A. Gifted and talented programs and services include:
- Ensuring that appropriate instructional adaptations are designed for students who are gifted and talented;
- Making provisions for an ongoing kindergarten through grade 12 identification process for gifted and talented students that includes multiple measures in order to identify student strengths in intellectual ability, creativity, or a specific academic area. The district shall ensure equal access to a continuum of gifted and talented education services. The identification process shall include consideration of all students, including those who are English language learners and those with individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans;
- Developing and documenting appropriate curricular and instructional modifications used for gifted and talented students indicating content, process, products, and learning environment, and including, but not limited to, additional education activities such as academic competitions, guest speakers, and lessons with a specialist;
- Taking into consideration the gifted programming standards, position statements, and white papers of the National Association for Gifted Children in identifying and serving gifted and talented students;
- Providing the time and resources to develop, review, and enhance instructional tools with modifications for helping gifted and talented students acquire and demonstrate mastery of the required knowledge and skills specified by the standards at the instructional level of the student; and
- Actively assisting and supporting professional development for teachers, educational services staff, and school leaders.
B. P.L. 2019, c. 338 also sets forth:
- That districts shall file a report with the state coordinator for gifted and talented services by Oct. 1, 2020 and thereafter on a schedule that coincides with the district’s New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC) review;
- N.J.S.A. 18A:35-34 through N.J.S.A. 6A:8-3.1) related to gifted and talented services; and
- Requirements for posting information about gifted and talented programs and services on the district website.
You may directly download this policy update from the Critical Policy Reference Manual (CPRM) district or charter versions or the Policy Update List on your password protected policy resources webpage at www.njsba.org. You may also contact a policy consultant at (609) 278-5268 or email Jean Harkness at jharkness@njsba.org or Steve McGettigan, policy manager, at smcgettigan@njsba.org.