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