Gifted & Talented
~QUEST Program~
Haddon Township QUEST Program
Questioning, Understanding, Enriching, Seeking, Thriving
Purpose
The purpose of the Haddon Township QUEST (Questioning, Understanding, Enriching, Seeking, Thriving) program is to ensure that appropriate instructional adaptations and educational services are provided to gifted and talented students in kindergarten through grade 8 (C.18A:35-36 3.a). Gifted and talented students possess or demonstrate a high level of ability in one or more content areas when compared to their chronological peers in the school district and therefore require modifications of their educational program (C.18A:35-35 2).
Overview
As part of the Haddon Township School District mission to expand minds, cultivate problem-solvers, and inspire leaders, we recognize that all students have unique skills and needs. The QUEST program will provide for the needs of students who have demonstrated that their high level of ability requires a differentiated learning path that will challenge them to meet their full potential and thrive.
Program
The Haddon Township QUEST program will be overseen by the Haddon Township Media Center Specialist who will facilitate the identification process while the teachers will monitor the progress of the students in the classroom. The program includes differentiated instruction, lesson extensions in Math and ELA, instructional adaptations and/or program modifications for students in Grades K-8. These lessons may include but not be limited to activities focused on problem solving and analytical thinking via pattern completion, analogy, reasoning, and spatial visualization. Students in grades K-8 who are identified through the identification process will be provided with programming options that are developed via collaborative efforts with the school based team.
School-Based Team
School-based teams will facilitate the identification process and monitor students who participate in the program. Teams may receive and consider nominations from parents/guardians and teachers during November and March. Testing will occur in January and May.
Identification
The identification process is made up of three steps that include multiple measures. It recognizes that all students including English language learners, students with Individualized Education Plans and students with 504 Plans are unique individuals whose profiles of strengths are not always evidenced in a traditional manner. Students’ strengths in intellectual ability, creativity, and/or a specific academic area will be identified by utilizing these multiple measures. Students who demonstrate strengths at the highest levels, equivalent to the top 3% of students of similar age in a particular area or areas of ability of achievement will be eligible for entrance into the QUEST program.
Step 1: Referral
Grades K-2: Students may be referred by a teacher or parent/guardian during November and March. The referral must include the district provided nomination form. In addition, the parent/guardian and/or teacher will complete either the district provided rating scale such as SIGS (Scales for Identifying Gifted Students) and/or provide a student portfolio. Classroom performance and assessments, rubric scores, ratings scales, and/or other nationally normed assessments will be reviewed. Note: The Nagliari Nonverbal Ability Test is given to all students at the end of second grade.The student must indicate a consistent and unusually high level of ability or achievement as evidenced through performance, products, or portfolio when compared to his/her chronological peers to move to Step 2.
Grades 3-8: A systematic data review of all students entering grades 3-8 will be conducted utilizing district, state, and universal assessments. These may include assessments such as the Nagliari Non-Verbal Abilities test, OnCourse Benchmark, New Jersey Student Learning Assessments, and/or other district created and/or nationally normed assessments. Student evidence will demonstrate that a student has scored at or above the 97th percentile and/or is exceeding expectations on one or more of these measures for the student to move to Step 2.
If a student is not identified through the systematic data review process, a parent/guardian and/or teacher may also refer a student for consideration during the months of November and March. The referral must include the district provided nomination form. In addition, the parent/guardian or teacher will complete either the district provided rating scale such as SIGS (Scales for Identifying Gifted Students) and/or provide a student portfolio. Classroom performance and assessments, rubric scores, ratings scales, and/or other nationally normed assessments will be reviewed. The student must indicate a consistent and unusually high level of ability or achievement as evidenced through performance, products, or portfolio when compared to his/her chronological peers to move to Step 2.
Step 2: Screening Assessment
Grades K-8: A screening assessment specifically developed for identifying gifted students will be administered to a student who has moved to Step 2. This may include an assessment such as SAGES (Screening Assessment for Gifted Elementary and Middle School Students), TOMAGS (Test of Mathematical Abilities for Gifted Students) and/or Nagliari Nonverbal Ability Test (if not already administered). Note: The Nagliari Nonverbal Ability Test is given to all students at the end of second grade. A test that measures a child’s intellectual ability or aptitude may be administered by the school district if the building-based team deems the screening assessments to be inconclusive. A parent/guardian is always welcome to provide evidence of an individually administered test, such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, conducted outside of the district by a certified professional.
Step 3: Eligibility Determination
Grades K-8: All evidence that has been collected will be reviewed to determine if the student demonstrates strengths at the highest levels, equivalent to the top 3% of students of similar age in a particular area(s) of ability or achievement. If the evidence indicates a student's exceptional ability, parents/guardians will be notified and will receive information regarding offerings, adaptations, and/or modifications to the student’s program.
Transfer Students
Students who transfer into the district who were currently receiving services in a gifted and talented program in their previous district will automatically move to Step 2 of the identification process. These students will be screened in January or March following the open nomination periods.
Appeal
An appeal for consideration on behalf of a student not selected may be made by a parent/guardian to the Haddon Township Superintendent of Schools.
Compliance
An individual who believes that the Haddon Township School District has not complied with the provisions of BOE Policy 2464: Gifted and Talented Students may file a complaint with the Board of Education. The Board shall issue a decision, in writing, to affirm, reject, or modify the district's action in the matter. The complaint form may be found at: https://forms.gle/J6NUFPaN9uurggWJ7
Nomination Form
If you think your child may qualify for the QUEST program, you are encouraged to first discuss it with your child’s teacher. After this discussion, if you would like to nominate your child, please click the link below to complete a nomination form. Note: Nomination forms are accepted during the months of November and March followed by testing in January and May. You are encouraged to provide supporting documentation in addition to your nomination form. This documentation can be emailed to cshorter@htsd.us and sent to your child’s principal.
