ilearn schools
gifted & talented
2023-2024
Identification
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.
Timeline
Process
Nomination Forms
REFER A STUDENT
TWICE-EXCEPTIONALITY
SPECIAL APTITUDE
Universal Screening
All iLearn Schools students receive universal screening for identification using multiple measures, using the following tools:
Grades K-2
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-2.
Grades and Observational Records
Course grade of Proficient (P) or above is recommended.
Observational records, including but not limited to attendance, portfolio submissions, and teacher recommendations, are taken into consideration along with grades.
Grades 3-8
State Test Scores
NJ and NY State Student Learning Assessments for Math & ELA (grades 3-8) Test Scores
Scale Score of 4 or above for NJ, 3 and above for NY recommended
Local Assessment Scores
85%ile ranking or above in the local STAR and/or i-Ready assessments are considered for the gifted programming and services for students in grades 3-8.
Grades and Observational Records
School Grade Point Average of > 3.5 with consistently passing grades is recommended.
Observational records, including but not limited to attendance, portfolio submissions, and teacher recommendations, are taken into consideration along with GPA.
Grades 9-11
AP and SAT
SAT and AP Academic and College Readiness test scores are used for identification in grades 9-12.
Grades and Observational Records
School Grade Point Average of > 3.5 with consistently passing grades is recommended.
Observational records, including but not limited to attendance, portfolio submissions, and teacher recommendations, are taken into consideration along with GPA.
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 availability.
To learn more about the G&T continuum of services, please visit the Program page of our website.
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.
V. Students who wish to opt out of / decline G&T programming and services should fill out the Opt Out / Decline G&T Services Form.
