Identified students in kindergarten through eighth grades receive academic enrichment through our Gifted and Talented Program.  Exceptionally able students exhibit a high degree of independence in learning, thought, and judgment. They may also exhibit high motivation, great curiosity, perseverance, and capability for creative thought. These students have special needs that are not always met through traditional classroom instruction. To supplement the education of this group, the district has established the following activities: pull-out specific academic enrichment, extra-curricular leadership projects, extra-curricular academic projects, pull-out creative/visual performing arts enrichment, diverse on-line opportunities, and differentiated instruction within the regular classroom.  The rich and varied offerings encourage and enhance knowledge acquisition, cognitive and reasoning skills, creative expression, and positive student interaction. The program is intended to be process-oriented. The learning activities emphasize the development of critical and divergent thinking skills rather than the mere acquisition of information. 

Selection Procedures

Parents/guardians, faculty, and administration may nominate a student.  Students may also nominate themselves.  Nominations should be made by April 15 for the upcoming academic year.  The correct forms can be obtained by contacting the Office of Curriculum and Instruction.  Student records, portfolios, and bodies of work are examined, and students are assessed using the SAGES-2 screening evaluation for giftedness for the areas of mathematics, science, language arts, social studies, and reasoning abilities.  Visual and performing arts are assessed using measurement tools specifically designed to evaluate ability in these areas.  Student scores and products are then evaluated by the G&T Committee.  Parents are notified in writing of the committee's decision.  If a child does not qualify, parents have the right to appeal the decision within ten days of original notification.  To comply with state and federal law, the district also offers testing for students who live within the boundaries of Dennis Township but do not attend Dennis Township School District.

Tutorial and Correspondence Programs for G&T Students

Stanford Educational Programs for Gifted Youth (EPGY) in computers, mathematics, science, humanities, and music theory.
Contact:  Ravaglia@csli.stanford.edu

Northwestern Center for Talented Youth Expository Writing Tutorials.
Contact:  Cty@nwu.edu

Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Expository Writing Tutorials.
Contact:  Cty@jhu.edu

Duke Talent Identification Graphics Calculator Program.
Contact:  Tip@duke.edu