Riverbank Charter School of Excellence
Gift and Talented Program

New Jersey Definition of Gifted and Talented
The New Jersey Administrative Code’s (N.J.C. 6A:8-3.1) defines gifted and talented students as: “students who possess or demonstrate high levels of ability, in one or more content areas, when compared to their chronological peers in the local school district and who require modifications of their educational program if they are to achieve in accordance with their capabilities.”
Code N.J.A.C. 6A:8-3.1(a)5ii requires all district boards of education to provide appropriate K-12 educational services for gifted and talented students. Gifted and talented children are those identified by professionally qualified persons who by virtue of outstanding abilities are capable of high performance. These are children who require differentiated educational programs and/or services beyond those normally provided by the regular school program in order to realize their contribution to self and society.

Program Overview
Riverbank Charter School of Excellence’s Gifted and Talented Program is designed to recognize and develop exceptional potential in students who demonstrate high levels of ability in one or more academic areas. Through differentiated instruction and enrichment experiences, the program challenges gifted learners to engage in deeper thinking, creativity, and problem-solving aligned with their unique strengths.

Purpose & Goals
Purpose:
To provide equitable access to enriched and challenging learning opportunities that foster development and growth of social, emotional, and academic growth for students who consistently demonstrate superior academic performance and creative or intellectual aptitude.
Goals:
  • Provide a safe and healthy environment.
  • Foster acceptance and respect individual needs.
  • Promote independent thinking, critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity.
  • Encourage innovation and advanced problem-solving.
  • Support high-achieving students with instructional modifications that go beyond the core curriculum.

Program Structure by Grade Level

Kindergarten and First Grade:
  • Identified students receive small group instruction and in-class enrichment through differentiated lessons aligned to their academic strengths.

Second Grade and Third Grade:
  • Identified students receive small group instruction and in-class enrichment through differentiated lessons aligned to their academic strengths and
  • Identified students participate in a pull-out enrichment program that supports deeper exploration of advanced topics and higher-order thinking

Identification Process

Riverbank Charter School of Excellence uses multiple measures to ensure fair and equitable access to our program for all students, including English Language Learners and students with an IEP or 504 plan.

Eligibility Criteria
Kindergarten and First Grade:
  • Independent Reading Level as measured on DRA

Second Grade and Third Grade:
  • Score in the 95th percentile or higher on fall MAP (ELA and/or Math)
  • Teacher recommendation
  • CogAT Quantitative
  • CogAT Verbal
  • CogAT Nonverbal
  • SIGS 2 - Scales for Identifying Gifted Students

Screening Tools for Second Grade and Third Grade
  • Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT):  Multiple-choice-based assessment provides information regarding abstract conceptualization in relationship to age and grade-level. (Verbal, Quantitative, Nonverbal)
  • Measures of Academic Progress (MAP): A computerized adaptive multiple-choice assessment that measures knowledge in reading and mathematics based on the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. (Reading and Math)

Notification
Students who qualify for Riverbank Charter School of Excellence’s Gifted and Talented Program are notified by letter from the principal. Parents/guardians must sign the letter indicating whether they would like their child to participate in this program

Program Continuation
Students continue in the program annually if they:
  • Meet performance standards
  • Demonstrate motivation and engagement
If a student is not meeting expectations, a conference may be held with the teacher and principal to determine whether a change in placement is appropriate.

Appeals Process
Parents may submit a written appeal by October 30 each year.
  • Appeals are reviewed by the principal.
  • Final placement decisions are made collaboratively by the Principal, Gifted and Talented Teacher, and Classroom Teacher.

Transfer Students
Students transferring into the district will be reviewed for eligibility using:
  • MAP testing upon enrollment
  • Comparable standardized test data
  • Prior report cards

Program Evaluation
  • Monthly parent updates (starting in October)
  • Ongoing monitoring by the principal and Director of Curriculum
  • Year-end teacher reflection and recommendations

Exiting the Program
School-Initiated Withdrawal:
  • If a student no longer meets program standards, parents will be notified.
  • A remediation plan and timeline will be offered.
  • Students may be dismissed from the program if concerns persist.
Parent-Initiated Withdrawal:
  • Parents may request in writing to withdraw their child.
  • Reentry requires full reevaluation.
  •  Students withdrawn twice are ineligible for readmission.

Contact Us
Program Questions or Appeals:
Please contact the school Principal if you have any questions or want to file an appeal.

Complaint Procedure
If a parent or guardian believes Riverbank Charter School of Excellence has not complied with New Jersey's Gifted and Talented statutes (N.J.S.A. 18A:35-34 et seq.), they may file a complaint with Riverbank Charter School of Excellence’s Board of Trustees.

The complaint must be submitted in writing and will be reviewed by the Board. The Board will issue a written decision affirming, rejecting, or modifying the district's action. If not satisfied with the Board’s decision, the complainant may file an appeal with the New Jersey Commissioner of Education.

If you have any questions or complaints about the Gifted and Talented process, please email Ms. Beth Kelley at (609) 499-4321 or [email protected]

Additional Information

Gifted and Talented Policy 
Gifted and Talented Handbook