ilearn schools
gifted & talented
2023-2024
Identification Process
iLearn Students are screened and evaluated for gifted and talented programming and services via multiple selection criteria. The top 2%-6%* of the student population is typically identified as G&T by national standards. iLearn Schools strives to be inclusive while maintaining these national standards.
I. Ability Categories
II. Identification
UNIVERSAL SCREENING TOOLS
NJ and NY State Student Learning Assessments for Math & ELA
Math & ELA (grades 3-9) and Science (grades 5, 8, 11) Test Scores
Scale Score of 4 or above for NJ, 3 and above for NY recommended
Normative Academic Achievement Scores
Top scores in the Basic Skills Assessments and End-Of-Year Assessments are considered for the gifted programming and services for students in grades K-1.
Normative Academic Achievement Scores
85%ile ranking or above in the STAR Math and/or STAR Reader assessments are considered for the gifted programming and services for students in grades 3-8.
P/SAT and AP Academic and College Readiness test scores for grades 9-12.
School Grade Point Average of > 3.5 is recommended.
Observational records, including but not limited to attendance, (de)/merit points, teacher recommendations, are taken into consideration along with GPA.
REFER A STUDENT
TWICE-EXCEPTIONALITY
SPECIAL APTITUDE
Qualifying students are identified via our G&T admission matrix of district and school level data and placed in G&T programming and services from September 2024 until next identification cycle in June 2025.
III. Selection
Students whose weighted admission matrix scores qualify are officially selected and matched with appropriate Gifted and Talented programming and services.
* Exact percentages subject to district level student data
IV. Placement
Students who are officially identified as Rising Talent or Gifted and Talented are placed in appropriate Gifted & Talented programming and services.
Appropriate curricular and instructional modifications in and beyond the classroom via Tier I, II, and Tier III Gifted and Talented programming and services provide intellectually stimulating enrichment opportunities, academic challenges, and platforms for creative expression. Rising Talent Pool students receive Tier II & Tier III services based on space availibility.
TIER I
ACCOMMODATIONS
IN THE CLASSROOM
DIFFERENTIATION
FLEXIBLE GROUPING
ACCELERATION
TWICE-EXCEPTIONALITY
TIER II
ACCOMMODATIONS
BEYOND CLASSROOM
G&T CLUBS
WORKSHOPS
CAMPS / FIELD TRIPS
COUNSELING
PATHWAY TO COLLEGE
TIER III
Highly selective Saturday program offering advanced achievement courses in:
COMPETITIVE MATHEMATICS
LITERATURE & ARTS
COMPUTER SCIENCE / CODING
Students who wish to opt out of / decline G&T programming and services should fill out the Opt Out / Decline G&T Services Form.
OPT OUT / DECLINE G&T SERVICES
V. Exit Procedures
I. Students identified as gifted and talented will be continually monitored and annually re-assessed for the continuing appropriateness of services and/or curricular modifications as well as determine eligibility to continue receiving G&T programming services. Assessments will include:
- Student data, including relevant test results;
- Performance, discipline records, and feedback from teaching staff members, and school administration educationally responsible for the student.
II. A student may be deemed ineligible to receive gifted and talented services and/or curricular modifications when:
- The student’s performance records show a decline;
- The student does not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for gifted and talented programming and services;
- The student wishes to decline services and his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) consents to withdrawal;
- The student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) requests to decline services.
III. A student identified as Gifted & Talented may still be deemed ineligible to receive Tier III gifted & talented services, i.e., iStellar, given only the most advanced high achievement students with top relevant scores may be eligible for enrollment.
IV. A recommendation to withdraw a student from the Gifted and Talented program may be made by the student’s classroom teacher, the school administration, the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and, where appropriate, the student. Final decision to withdraw a student from the Gifted and Talented program may be made by the Program Director.
