TECCS Gifted & Talented Elementary Program


At TECCS, our goal is to meet students where they are and to create a classroom where differences are respected.  We acknowledge that all students come from different backgrounds and experiences and therefore, there is no cookie cutter approach to learning.  In the elementary school, teachers respond to student academic needs and differentiate accordingly.  In addition to the differentiated instruction that happens in the classroom, some students benefit from advanced work and enrichment opportunities outside of the classroom.  Those students are eligible for the G&T program.

Classroom-Based Differentiation (K-5)

Every math and ELA class has built in Intervention Time multiple times a week to enable differentiation within the classroom.   During this time, teachers challenge high performing students with enrichment activities, such as novel studies, research projects, math projects, and “Thinking Cap” problems.  Students also have individualized learning paths on the iReady platform in both reading and math, which provides lessons and activities according to the child’s academic level.

Individualized Enrichment Support (K-5)

Students identified as benefiting from G&T services are pulled out for academic enrichment weekly (K-2) and semiweekly (3-5).  The program focuses on developing creative and critical thinking skills, the process of making ethical decisions, problem identification and exploration, and logical reasoning through project based learning.

Identifying Gifted & Talented Students:

In selecting students for the program, the G&T team (G&T Teacher, Curriculum Developer, Principal, and Vice Principal) considers the whole child.  At TECCS, we acknowledge that many factors determine how a child will perform in class, and therefore do not rely on just one measure.  

Kindergarten - 3rd Grade Selection Process:

Four main factors are considered when recommending placement.

  1. iReady - All students take the iReady exam 3 times per year.  The results indicate if a student is working on, below, or above grade level.  Students above the 85th percentile are strong candidates for G&T.

  2. Report card grades - Current math grades are used as an indicator or ability to perform in class.   Strong candidates average 90% or better in math. 

  3. Teacher recommendation - Teacher & TA’s make recommendations based on their observations and history with the student.  They look for students with a solid mathematical foundation, that are hard-working, able to keep up with the curriculum, and that have a desire to learn and be challenged.

  4. CogAT Testing - recommended students take this test as a final determination of qualification.  If a child achieves a stanine score that is above average (7-9), they performed better than other students who took the test and would likely be successful in a G&T program.

4th - 5th Grade Selection Process:

Five main factors are considered when recommending placement.

  1. NJSLA - Students in grades 3 and up take the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment each spring.  Those scores compare TECCS students with other students throughout the state.  A score of 785 or higher indicates a child may benefit from gifted education.  

  2. iReady - All students take the iReady exam 3 times per year.  The results indicate if a student is working on, below, or above grade level.  Students above the 85th percentile are strong candidates for G&T.

  3. Report card grades - Current math grades are used as an indicator or ability to perform in class.   Strong candidates average 90% or better in math.

  4. Teacher recommendation - Teacher & TA’s make recommendations based on their observations and history with the student.  They look for students with a solid mathematical foundation, that are hard-working, able to keep up with the curriculum, and that have a desire to learn and be challenged.

  5. CogAT Testing - recommended students take this test as a final determination of qualification.  If a child achieves a stanine score that is above average (7-9), they performed better than other students who took the test and would likely be successful in a G&T program.