FAQ+on+Eligibility

**FAQ on Eligibility for the Gifted & Talented Program** QUESTION: How are students selected for the Gifted and Talented Program?

Nominations are received from teachers and parents during the spring (April). Nominated students are invited to participate in online self-adjusting skills tests in Language Arts and Mathematics, and their teachers complete profile forms describing the students’ learning styles and classroom performance. In addition, standardized test scores for all students are reviewed on a yearly basis, usually in mid-August or early September. Occasionally, exceptional test scores indicate additional nominations; these students take the online skills tests in September. Students who show a reasonable likelihood of G&T eligibility are identified as candidates. Parents of such candidates are asked to provide profile information and permission for their child to participate in qualifying tests, typically scheduled in mid September. Eligibility determinations are based on the overall profile, which includes input from the teacher(s) and the parents, the standardized test records, and the qualifying test results. // Our policy for use of standardized test scores has been reviewed by administration and our Gifted and Talented screening committee. PARCC scores will NOT considered as a factor in eligibility determinations at this time (fall 2016-2017). MAP scores, now available for all grade levels, will be considered as a factor. //

//Note// : //The MTES Eligibility Determination process was reviewed at UConn Confratute by Dr. Mary Sullivan in July of 2009 (associate of Dr. Joseph Renzulli), and again by Dr. E. Jean Gubbins (Past President of National Association for Gifted Children) in July 2014. Our system was found to be reasonable and fair according to Best Practices recommended by Confratute faculty. Ms. Baker has shared this Eligibility Determination system through professional workshops at WCCSE, NJAGC and NJEA; numerous other schools have adapted the system for their own use. //

QUESTION: Who actually makes the decisions about whether a child is eligible, and how much subjective choice is involved?

The G&T screening committee consists of several teachers, including Ms. Baker, and the MTES Principal, Mr. Melitsky. The eligibility profile consists of 75% objective test scores and 25% subjective information as reported by classroom teachers and parents. Final decisions are made by administration.

QUESTION: Can I nominate my own child?

Parents may submit their child’s name for consideration, and the child’s records will be reviewed. Students who show a reasonable likelihood of eligibility will be identified as candidates, and may participate in the preliminary testing in the spring (see above).

QUESTION: If I received a letter stating that my child is not recommended to participate in September G&T eligibility testing, can I request that my child be tested anyway?

Parents may request that their child participate in testing, even after receiving a "not recommended" letter. Please note, if the child's scores on the September qualifying tests do not meet eligibility levels, there is a **two-year waiting period** before these tests can be repeated. It is due to this waiting period that we screen candidates with preliminary tests.

QUESTION: My child was previously tested and was not eligible. Can he/she be retested?

After a period of one year, the eligibility determination may be reviewed in consideration of new standardized test scores. After a period of two years, the eligibility screening tests may be repeated. Children have been found eligible for the G&T Program through both of these scenarios.

QUESTION: How are students selected for the Gifted and Talented Arts Program?

Nominations for the G&T Arts program typically come from the arts teachers. These special area teachers are already familiar with the child’s abilities and are in the unique position of being able to identify what is truly outstanding among elementary students. Contact these teachers if you would like to ask them to consider nominating your child.

QUESTION: Does my child need to retested, after already participating in Gifted and Talented classes?

Students who have previously been found eligible for the Gifted and Talented Program do not need to be retested to maintain eligibility. Eligibility continues based on successful participation. Participation may be customized to meet student needs.