Merriam Avenue School

Screening/Identification

First:
Students are generally identified based on i‑Ready results for ELA and/or Math (top 10%), NJSLA scores (Grades 3-4), or through a completed teacher referral. Multiple measures are considered.

Second:
Referred students in Grades K–4 take the CogAT, which measures cognitive abilities. The CogAT is administered once every three years as part of the identification process.

G&T Committee

The Merriam Avenue Elementary School Gifted and Talented Advisory Committee, functioning as an extension of the MTSS Intervention Team, and administrators will:

• Analyze results from all provided criteria

• Assess eligibility using scores and multiple measures

• Evaluate readiness for accelerated learning

• Admit qualifying students into the program

A panel of trained educators will comprehensively review all data to determine each student’s eligibility and need for G&T services.

Assessment Process

The i‑Ready assessments are administered online by classroom teachers and graded automatically. Students are selected based on their results and administrative oversight.

The CogAT is administered online and measures cognitive ability (verbal, non-verbal, quantitative) to provide a profile of strengths. Matrix points are assigned by score. Regular re-assessment every three years ensures current data is used (Hodges et al., 2018; National Association for Gifted Children, 2010).

Incoming Kindergarten

Referred cases will be reviewed, and Gifted & Talented eligibility will be determined by review on a case-by-case basis.

Appeal Process

A parent/guardian can request an appeal if they disagree with the decision regarding student eligibility for the program. A parent/guardian must request an appeal in writing to their child’s building principal. The principal will provide the parent/guardian with the Gifted and Talented Parent/Guardian Rating Scale Form to complete. Upon submission of the form, the Gifted and Talented District Advisory Committee will meet to review all documents and provide an opinion in writing regarding student eligibility based on the program criteria within 10 school days of the principal's referral to the committee.

If a parent/guardian disagrees with the opinion of the Gifted and Talented District Advisory Committee, they can appeal in writing to the Superintendent of Schools within 5 school days of the Committee’s notification.

All decisions regarding eligibility are made by the school’s Gifted & Talented Advisory Committee in collaboration with the Board of Education.

An individual who believes that a school district has not complied with the provisions of Chapter 35, Title 18A (18A:35-8) may file a request for review 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 individual may then file a petition for 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 the procedures set forth in the State Board of Education regulation.