Gifted and Talented Program

District Philosophy and Goals

The philosophy of the Linwood Public Schools is to provide enrichment opportunities for all students in all areas of the curriculum.  The district recognizes its responsibility to identify gifted and talented students within the school district and to provide these students with appropriate instructional adaptations and services.

The goal of the Gifted and Talented Program is to challenge our students and foster independent, critical thinking along with building their collaborative spirit. In Kindergarten through 4th grades, students are provided with challenging opportunities that are appropriate to their abilities and interests through extension activities and alternative projects and assignments within the classroom.  These activities foster self-esteem, problem solving and creative thinking skills.  Flexible grouping in the classroom and ability grouping in math and language arts further meet the needs of individual learners.

All students in grades five through eight meet with the Gifted and Talented teachers in the Related Arts cycle during both SPEAK (Students Performing, Experiencing, and Acquiring Knowledge) and Industrial Technology. All Belhaven students in SPEAK  benefit from enrichment activities such as digital storytelling, public speaking, Mock Trial, and participation in Belhaven's TV production activities, and our Gifted and Talented students receive enhanced and extended activities in this SPEAK cycle. Additionally, pre-engineering middle school activities are offered to the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Gifted and Talented students within the Industrial Technology Related Arts rotation.
 

In grades five through eight, all students are provided opportunities for enrichment through thirty clubs and athletic experiences including band, drama, Steam Club, Think Team, etc.


NJ Definition of a Gifted and Talented Student 

 New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:8-3.1 defines students who are gifted and talented as those students 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 educational program if they are to achieve in accordance with their capabilities.


For additional information on the program , please see the links below: