Gifted and Talented Program Berkeley Heights Public Schools
Grades 4 & 5
The vision of the grade 4 and 5 QUEST Enrichment
instruction is based on the research that giftedness is not
an endowment of nature, but rather a dynamic interaction
of intelligence, creativity, and task commitment. Students
who meet the criteria for acceptance into the program will
acquire skills and understanding while researching topics
that extend beyond the grade level curriculum. Students
will be challenged to apply higher level cognitive skills in
both a collaborative and independent setting to experience
the world around them.
“The term ‘gifted and talented’, when used with respect to students, children, or youth, means students, children, or youth who give evidence of high achievement capability in areas such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who need services or activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to fully develop those capabilities.” (Title IX, Part A, Section 9101(22), p. 544)
In summary, gifted children are a population who have different educational needs, thanks to their unique intellectual
development. The gifted population represents about 8% of a given population.
To achieve this vision for grades 4 and 5 QUEST enrichment, the
teacher will:
foster an environment that applies the principles of
brainstorming, collaboration, and independent learning.
present content that is broad based and integrates multiple
disciplines.
address the various learning styles and multiple intelligences of
the students.
design independent and self-directed activities and study skills.
incorporate logic, reasoning, and problem solving skills to
respond to situations/events.
develop experiences for the students to utilize analysis,
synthesis, and evaluative skills.
provide instruction in media and technology to enhance presentation of final product.
incorporate research, oral, and written skills and activities to communicate thoughts, outcomes, and understanding on topics of discovery.
encourage thinking to produce new ideas/techniques/products which look at a situation from different perspectives.
encourage an understanding of one’s strengths and areas of growth in order to direct how to proceed to meet expected end.
evaluate the student’s process and outcome using various performance and authentic assessments which may include rubrics, checklist, self-reflections, and standardized instruments.
Reasons Well (good thinker)
Intense Has a great sense of humor
Learns rapidly Morally sensitive Early or avid reader
Has extensive vocabulary
Has strong curiosity
Concerned with justice, fairness
Has a long attention span (if interested)
Perseverant in their interests
Judgment mature for age at times
Sensitive (feelings hurt easily)
Has high degree of energy
Is a keen observer
Shows compassion Prefers older companions or adults
Has a vivid imagination
Perfectionist Has a wide range of interests
Is highly creative
Tends to question authority
Has facility with numbers
Good at jigsaw puzzles
The revised selection criteria is as follows:
1. Teacher recommendations
◦ 15 points = 2 points
◦ 14.5 points = 1 point
2. ASK Test – Language Arts & Math
◦ 270-300 score = 2 points
◦ 250-269 score = 1 point
3. Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) ◦ Local stanine of 8 or 9 in Verbal, Quantitative, and/or Non-Verbal
sections
◦ 9 = 2 points
◦ 8= 1 point
Maximum score possible = 12 points
Behavior Often Sometimes Seldom Never
1. Learns quickly and easily 3 2 1 0
2. Has a broad foundation of knowledge
3 2 1 0
3. Uses higher level thinking skills and reasons well in problem-solving
3 2 1 0
4. Demonstrates ability to clearly express ideas in writing
3 2 1 0
5. Demonstrates ability to clearly express ideas verbally
3 2 1 0
6. Works independently 3 2 1 0
7. Shows initiative 3 2 1 0
8. Sets and achieves high self- expectations
3 2 1 0
9. Exceptional organizational skills
3 2 1 0
10. Demonstrates appropriate attitude and behaviors
3 2 1 0
Total Points Earned:___________________
Total Score: (total points / 2)_______________
Teacher Recommendation Form-QUEST
Our curriculum stimulates creativity, higher order thinking skills, and problem solving. It includes a diverse array of topics, including, but not limited to:
Junior Great Books
Math Olympiads
Stock Market
Convocation 5: February 26th Environment
Convocation 4: May 21st The Ocean
Critical Thinking Skills
Communication/Presentation Skills
Vocabulary Building
Brain Teasers
Interview Skills
Research Skills
Technology Skills
Teacher observation
Successful completion of projects/activities designed to extend the curriculum
Participation in group activities
Participation in class discussion
Journal entries / Weekly work log
Completion of homework as assigned by the teacher
Formative assessment
Summative assessment
Self – evaluation
Progress Reports 2X per year
The program commences the week of October 14th
Mountain Park (Mr. Morisseau)
Thursday 9:20-10:50
Thomas P. Hughes (Mrs. Nardi)
Monday 8:40-10:10
William Woodruff (Miss. Gasparini)
Tuesday 9:25-10:55
Please see your school Principal for specific schedule questions
Students must make-up missed classroom
work
Students must complete any homework
and/or research at home assigned from
QUEST class
Students check & use Mrs. Masri’s
Schoolwires website accessible through the
homepage of The William Woodruff School
Gifted and Talented Program Berkeley Heights Public Schools
Grades 4 & 5