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 10, 2011

2. Four Distinct Programs
Academically Independent Classes (AI)
Enrichment Classes (E) in math, language arts literacy, science, and social studies
Honors level classes
Advanced Placement level classes

3. BRRSD Academically Independent (AI) Program
a gifted and talented program
Grades 2 - 5

4. Academically Independent Program (2-5)
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

5. BRRSD Enrichment “E” Program
a subject specific gifted and talented program
Grades 5-8

6. What is the “E” Program?
Ability grouping in mathematics (grades 5 and 6), language arts literacy (grades 5-8), science (grades 6-8), and social studies (grades 6-8)
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. Where are the E classrooms 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

8. What are the E Placement Criteria?
Multiple Assessments:
Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)
E LAL: Reading and Language Usage
E Math: Mathematics
E Science: Science General Concepts and Science Processes
E Social Studies: Reading
Writing Sample
Teacher Input regarding grades and observable classroom characteristics such as independence, advanced articulation, and concept application.

9. How do E classes differ from non-E?
The E classes complete the grade level curriculum content, and then extend and individualize learning through inquiry based projects. E classes promote creativity and higher level cognitive skills through creative thinking, open-endedness, group interaction, higher levels of thinking, variable pacing, articulation, and leadership opportunities.

10. Characteristics: E students are expected:
To do all assigned homework on time.
To independently manage multiple, concurrent, and long-term projects.
To write multiple drafts of projects, reports, and other long-range assignments before submitting the document for final assessment.
To initiate meetings with the teacher after school or before school for assistance and/or enrichment when appropriate.

11. Characteristics: E students are expected:
To reason analytically, deductively, and inductively in order to synthesize and evaluate information and data.
To have the necessary skills for independently organizing tasks to meet expectations of the course.

12. Review of E Process Timeline:
Required Online Registration for Enrichment “E” Program Placement Consideration: Grades 6-8
January 11 through January 24, 2011
Late registration will not be considered.
Administration of MAP assessments will occur during the month of March 2011.
Check the website for updates.

13. How are students and parents notified?
E placement decisions are mailed to parents/guardians as soon as the scores are in and the data is analyzed

14. BRRSD Advanced Placement and Honors
a subject specific gifted and talented program
Grades 9-12

15. 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

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