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Gifted & Talented
Gifted & Talented Education
We are pleased to share an important update on the Leonia School District’s ongoing work to enhance our Gifted & Talented (G&T) Program. As part of our mission to provide all students with challenging and equitable learning experiences, the district recently completed a comprehensive review of our G&T services.
This initiative, conducted by an external consultant, evaluated the effectiveness of our current G&T practices across all three school buildings. The audit focused on alignment with the New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:8-3.1 and the Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act, with an emphasis on equitable access and areas for program improvement. The findings and recommendations were presented at the April 22, 2025, Board of Education meeting. The audit process included valuable input from board members, parents, staff, and administrators, as well as a review of student identification and participation data, instructional practices, and program communication.
The results confirmed Leonia’s strong commitment to supporting advanced learners and identified several opportunities for growth, including clarifying the distinction between gifted education and enrichment, improving equitable identification processes, expanding project-based learning experiences, and enhancing professional development for staff.
In alignment with our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, the district will launch a focused implementation plan beginning in Summer 2025 to ensure our gifted services are rigorous, equitable, and responsive to student needs. This implementation includes training for administrators, professional development for staff, and establishing committees to help improve the identification process and the program offerings.
We remain dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, equity, and opportunity for each of our students.
Coordinator: Jin Lee, Supervisor of Instructional Technology and Programs
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We are committed to identifying and supporting students who demonstrate exceptional ability and potential. Our Gifted & Talented (G&T) program is designed to provide meaningful academic challenges, enrichment opportunities, and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of high-achieving learners, while ensuring access to the full general education curriculum.
We are currently in the process of reviewing our program offerings (see the plan forward for more information). This section will be updated as we continue to modify and improve our current offerings.
Program Structure
Leonia’s Gifted & Talented programming provides enrichment and advanced learning experiences that align with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and are integrated into students’ regular instruction. Program components may include:- Pull-Out Enrichment Programs
- In-Class Differentiation
- Flexible Pacing and Curriculum Compacting
- Project-Based Learning Opportunities
- Independent Study Projects
- Arts and STEM-Based Extensions
- Advanced Academic and Creative Challenges
All programming is designed to supplement, not replace, the core instructional program, and is tailored to students’ specific areas of strength, interest, and readiness.
Instructional Supports and Monitoring
Educators use evidence-based strategies and enriched instructional tools to help G&T students extend and deepen their learning. Instruction is delivered through tiered supports, in alignment with best practices outlined in the New Jersey Tiered System of Supports (NJTSS/MTSS) framework. Student progress is monitored throughout the year. Programming is periodically reviewed and evaluated for effectiveness, and adjustments are made as needed.Family Involvement and Communication
Families of students identified as gifted and talented are consulted and informed of services available to support their child’s learning. Communication is ongoing, and parents are encouraged to participate in conversations about their child’s progress, needs, and experiences in the G&T program. -
We are currently in the process of reviewing our criteria for eligibility (see the plan forward for more information). This section will be updated as we continue to review and modify our criteria.
Identification Process
The district uses a multi-measure approach to identify students for gifted and talented services. Student performance is assessed using a variety of qualitative and quantitative data, including:- Reading Running Records
- Math Assessments
- Standards-Based Classroom Assessments
- STAR Renaissance Learning Assessments
- NJSLA (New Jersey Student Learning Assessment) Results
- Art and Music Teacher Assessments and Recommendations
Students are typically reviewed for G&T eligibility at the end of Grade 3, and selected students participate in the program beginning in Grade 4. However, student performance is reviewed continuously, and referrals can be made at any time by teachers or parents.
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Appeal Process
At Leonia Public Schools, we use a thoughtful and comprehensive process to identify gifted learners. If a parent or guardian believes their child was not appropriately identified for the Gifted & Talented (G&T) program, they may request an appeal by submitting a written sppeal to the building principal. The written request shall include:
- The reason for the appeal.
- Any evidence that supports the child’s need for program modifications.
- A portfolio of student work or relevant assessments, for example:
- Up to five student work samples (e.g., original writing, artwork, projects).
- Cognitive or achievement test results from a licensed psychologist within the past two years.
A review meeting will be scheduled with the principal, classroom teacher, enrichment teacher, G&T Coordinator, and the parent/guardian to discuss the student’s performance and determine appropriate next steps.
Gifted & Talented Complaint ProcedureAs outlined in N.J.S.A. 18A:35-34 et seq., any individual who believes the district has not followed state regulations for Gifted & Talented education may file a written complaint with the Leonia Board of Education. The Board will review the complaint and provide a written response. If the individual disagrees with the Board’s decision, they may file an appeal with the New Jersey Commissioner of Education through the Office of Controversies and Disputes, following procedures in N.J.S.A. 18A:6-9.
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