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
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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
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Gifted children will produce more.
Gifted children learn all subjects easily.
Gifted children have strengths across the curriculum.
Gifted children will learn on their own.
Gifted education means more work.
Everything comes easy for gifted children.
It is easy to identify gifted students.
The revised selection criteria is as follows:
1.
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)
◦ Local stanine of 8 or 9 in Verbal, Quantitative, and/or Non-Verbal
sections
◦ 130+ = 3 points
◦ 120-129 = 2 points
◦ 115-119 = 1 point
2.
Classroom Grades: Reading/Writing/Math
◦ A+, A, or S = 2 points
◦ A-, or D = 1 point
3.
Teacher recommendations
◦ 18 points
Maximum score possible = 36 points
Top 8-10%
Teacher Recommendation Form-QUEST
Behavior
1. Learns quickly and easily
2. Has a broad foundation of
knowledge
3. Uses higher level thinking
skills and reasons well in
problem-solving
4. Demonstrates ability to clearly
express ideas in writing
5. Demonstrates ability to clearly
express ideas verbally
6. Works independently
7. Shows initiative, high level of
interest, enthusiasm
8. Sets and achieves high selfexpectations, self-starter,
perseverance
9. Exceptional organizational
skills
10. Demonstrates appropriate
attitude and behaviors
11. Creativity, originality of thought
Often
3
3
Sometimes
2
2
Seldom
1
1
Never
0
0
3
2
1
0
3
2
1
0
3
2
1
0
3
3
2
2
1
1
0
0
3
2
1
0
3
2
1
0
3
2
1
0
12. Top 10% of class- this would
include high levels of abstract
thinking, verbal and numerical
reasoning, spatial relations,
memory, word fluency, and
rapid accurate and selective
retrieval of information.
Total Points Earned:
Total Score: (total points / 2)
36
18
Our curriculum stimulates creativity, higher order thinking
skills, and problem solving. It includes a diverse array of
topics, including, but not limited to:
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Independent Research Project
Critical Thinking Skills
Communication/Presentation Skills
Vocabulary Building
Brain Teasers
Interview Skills
Research Skills
Technology Skills
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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 September 14th
 Mountain Park (Mr. Morisseau)
Wednesday 10:05-11:35 Grade 4 & 5
 Thomas P. Hughes (Mrs. Nardi)
Tuesday 10:10-11:40 Grade 5
Tuesday 1:15-2:45 Grade 4
 William Woodruff (Miss Gasparini)
Monday 8:40-10:10 Grade 4
Monday 10:10-11:40 Grade 5
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
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Listen to your gifted child and engage in frequent
conversations.
Encourage goals set by the child.
Foster independence and decision making.
Help your child with the need for perfectionism.
Support your child’s interests.
Allow your child the time to discover, to daydream,
to contemplate, to create, and to have fun!
National Association for Gifted Children
The NAGC is a national resource organization for teachers and parents of
gifted children.
National Research Center for the Gifted and Talented
This center is directed by Dr. Joseph S. Renzulli of the University of
Connecticut.
National Society for the Gifted and Talented
Advance the development of gifted, talented, and high potential youth, in
the United States and abroad, through opportunities, advocacy, and
exemplary programs and practices.
Hoagies
Resources, articles, books and links to help and support parents,
teachers, and gifted children.
Creative Learning Press
Provides books, materials, and other resources for educators working with
gifted or specially talented students.
Gifted and Talented Program
Berkeley Heights Public Schools
Grades 4 & 5
amasri@bhpsnj.org