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Gifted and Talented Education » Gifted and Talented Education

Gifted and Talented Education

Gifted & Talented Education (G&T)

Status: The UACHS Board of Trustees approved the revised G&T policy on October 16, 2025. UACHS is implementing all steps necessary to ensure full compliance with New Jersey law and code.

 

Our G&T Program

High-level opportunities

  • Advanced Placement (AP): Biology, Calculus, Computer Science Principles, English II Seminar, English III: Language & Composition, and U.S. History.

  • Dual Enrollment (NJCU): English IV and Statistics (college credit opportunities).

  • Capstone – Doc Your Block: A yearlong, multimedia community-service research project with assigned teacher mentors.

  • Seminar Courses: AP Seminar focusing on research, analysis, public speaking, and project-based learning (part of the AP Capstone Diploma program).

  • Honors Courses: Algebra I, Algebra II, Chemistry, English I, Geometry, Spanish II, U.S. History I, and World Culture & Geography.

 

Coordinator

 

Legal Alignment & Compliance

UACHS’s G&T policy is aligned to the Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act (N.J.S.A. 18A:35-34 to -39) and N.J.A.C. 6A:8-3.1 regarding curricular and instructional adaptations. UACHS designates a G&T Program Coordinator to oversee implementation, compliance, and continuous improvement.

 

Identification: Equitable & Multi-Measured

  • Uses multiple measures (e.g., standardized assessments, teacher recommendations, portfolios, observational checklists, and performance-based tasks).

  • Ongoing and inclusive process that considers and supports all populations, including English Learners, twice-exceptional students, and students from low-income backgrounds.

  • Identification continues throughout students’ school careers.

 

Curriculum, Instruction, and Depth of Learning

  • Aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) with appropriate modifications, extensions, and accelerations.

  • Emphasizes higher-order thinking, inquiry, and project-based learning.

  • Provides advanced opportunities across core academics, the arts, leadership, and creativity.

 

Service Delivery (Tiered Supports)

  • Tier I: Differentiated instruction in all classrooms.

  • Tier II: Small-group pull-out and enrichment opportunities.

  • Tier III: Individualized options such as mentorships, independent research, or grade/content acceleration.

  • Additional models may include cluster grouping, specialized electives, online learning, dual enrollment, acceleration, curriculum compacting, and independent study.

Professional Learning

Annual training for teachers, administrators, and counselors includes:

  • Characteristics and needs of gifted learners.

  • Differentiation strategies and advanced pedagogy.

  • Cultural competence and equity in gifted education.

  • Twice-exceptionality and social-emotional supports.

Family & Community Partnership

  • Information sessions for families about identification and services.

  • Transparent criteria, timelines, and procedures.

  • A G&T Advisory Committee (educators, parents/guardians, community stakeholders).

  • Community partnerships that support mentorships, field experiences, and authentic projects.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Program Improvement

  • Annual Program Review of services and student progress.

  • Data-informed revisions to improve access, equity, and outcomes.

  • Stakeholder feedback collected from students, parents/guardians, and staff.

  • Submission of required NJDOE reports as outlined by law.

 

Learn more: New Jersey Department of Education G&T webpage — https://www.nj.gov/education/standards/gifted/

 

Complaint Process

Any individual who believes UACHS has not complied with the law or administrative code related to G&T services may file a written complaint with the UACHS Board of Trustees. The lead person or designee will take the necessary actions to correct or remediate the complaint and report such actions to the Board. The Board will issue a written decision to affirm, reject, or modify the school’s action. If the complaint is not resolved to the individual’s satisfaction, the individual may file a petition of appeal of the Board’s written decision to the Commissioner of Education through the Office of Controversies and Disputes in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:6-9 and applicable State Board regulations.

 

Complaints regarding noncompliance may be directed to:
Mrs. Rhonda Curry, School Business Administrator • [email protected]

 

Policy Reference: Revised UACHS Policy #6171.2 (Gifted & Talented), aligned to the Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act and N.J.A.C. 6A:8-3.1.