WW-P Gifted & Talented
In keeping with the District Mission Statement, the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District is dedicated to developing all students through appropriate educational experiences. The position of the National Association for Gifted Children, “that education in a democracy must respect the uniqueness of all individuals, the broad range of cultural diversity present in our society, and the similarities and differences in learning characteristics that can be found within any group of students,” guides the work of the department. The continued goal is equity in access and outcome for all learners through ongoing review of our programming and practices.
DEFINITION
Gifted students are those who possess or demonstrate high levels of ability in one or more content areas when compared to their chronological peers in the local district and who require modification of their education program if they are to achieve in accordance with their capabilities.
IDENTIFICATION
In alignment with the District’s Strategic Goals, identification is an ongoing process aimed at recognizing academic and/or social-emotional needs related to giftedness. Students are not labeled as “gifted.” The purpose of identification is to inform targeted opportunities and interventions within and beyond the classroom. Multiple criteria are used in the process including teacher input, Gifted and Talented Teacher Resource Specialist observation, new student intake information and records, parent input, student work, and case studies, as well as measures such as CogAT, MAP, Fountas and Pinnell, and NJSLA.
SERVICES
Gifted and Talented Programming is provided in a progression of services grades K through 12. This continuum from adult initiated to student initiated is reflective of the development of learners from primarily dependent to largely independent. Programming is designed to assist students with gifts and talents in developing identities and self-advocacy skills consistent with their areas of talent.
Please see the link to the right for the Gifted and Talented Program Overview.