Gifted and Talented Program
Gifted and Talented Program
ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
According to New Jersey’s “Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act,” a “‘gifted and talented student’
means a student who possesses or demonstrates a high level of ability in one or more content areas when
compared to his chronological peers in the school district and who requires modifications of his educational
program if [s]he is to achieve in accordance with his capabilities.”
Carlstadt Public School strives to support all students and provide services to nurture and grow those students
who are identified as gifted and talented. Using the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and 21st century
skills, the child’s teacher will enhance the child's educational experience to meet the unique needs of the
exceptional student.
Kindergarten - Grade 2: Students are supported in the classroom with differentiation of content, process, and
product. The gifted and talented teacher will consult with teachers to provide differentiation within the
classroom. Students also participate in STEAM lab activities multiple times throughout the year.
Grades 3 - 8: In addition to the same services for Kindergarten through grade 2, students in each grade level
will meet once a week for 41 minutes with the gifted and talented teacher to work on various projects. The
core of these classes will be spent using the program The Odyssey of the Mind, a collaborative
problem-solving program that allows students to apply real-world skills to real-world problems and utilize
multiple skill sets to achieve a resolution. Some gifted students may also be enrolled in advanced math classes
in 7th and 8th grades.
CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY
By September 30 of each school year, the gifted and talented teacher, supervisor, and principal will identify
and notify families of students in Grades 3 - 8 of a child’s acceptance into the gifted and talented program for
that school year. Students must re-qualify each year for entry into the gifted and talented program.
Kindergarten – Grade 2
1. Above grade level scores on the Fountas and Pinnell Reading Assessment from the
previous June
2. Link-It Benchmark Assessment – Exceeding on Form A for math or language arts of
current grade
3. Report Card Assessment
4. Teacher Recommendation
Grade 3
Meet 3 or more criteria:
1. CogAT score above 110
2. Above grade level scores on the Fountas and Pinnell Reading Assessment from the previous
June
3. Link-It Benchmark Assessment – Exceeding on Form A for math or language arts of current
grade
4. Report Card Assessment - Exceeding in reading, writing, and math
5. Teacher Recommendation
Grades 4 - 8
Meet 3 or more criteria:
1. CogAT score above 110
2. Above grade level scores on the Fountas and Pinnell Reading Assessment from the previous June
3. Link-It Benchmark Assessment – Exceeding on Form A for math or language arts of current
grade OR meeting or exceeding expectations on the immediately previous grade’s NJSLA assessment
4. Report Card Assessment - Exceeding in reading, writing and math OR 84 or above in the core
subjects
5. Teacher Recommendation
QUESTIONS OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Any parent/guardian who has questions regarding the program, entry requirements, or needs additional
information regarding the program, please review the Carlstadt Public School’s gifted and talented policies and
procedures. These procedures are outlined above and also listed in our digital Parent/Student Handbook found
on the district website. If more information is needed, contact the following individuals in the order listed
below:.
- Gifted and Talented Coordinator: Mrs. Jessica Lapa (jlapa@carlstadtps.org)
- Principal: Mrs. Kelly Schroback (kschroback@carlstadtps.org)
- Superintendent: Ms. Allison Evans (aevans@carlstadtps.org)
If a further complaint needs to be filed regarding entrance into the program, please contact the Superintendent
who will file a complaint with the board of education where at the next board meeting, the board will then
issue a decision in writing to affirm, reject or modify the district’s action in the matter.
USEFUL LINKS FOR FAMILIES
https://www.nagc.org/
https://njagc.org/
CONTACT
Mrs. Jessica Lapa
jlapa@carlstadtps.org
Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction
Gifted and Talented Coordinator