Gifted and Talented Program

The purpose of the Secaucus School District’s Gifted and Talented Program is to provide opportunities for social, emotional, and academic growth for our high-potential students. The Gifted and Talented Program incorporates a differentiated learning experience based on the core curriculum for gifted and talented students. Our students are provided with enriching curriculum units and real-world integrated projects that include the rigor, relevance, depth, complexity, and pace required for high-potential students.

PHILOSOPHY

The Secaucus School District provides opportunities for social, emotional, and academic growth for high-potential students. Gifted and Talented children are a valuable resource for the community, state, and nation. The Secaucus School District recognizes that these high-potential children possess academic and creative skills beyond the normal range. These children have talents, outstanding scholastic abilities, and special interests that require a differentiated education program. It is the objective of the Secaucus School District to provide alternative learning styles and unique opportunities for these exceptional children.

It is the responsibility of the staff to identify these students and provide rich educational programs that will enable students to make full use of their potential and interests. It is the philosophy of the Gifted & Talented Program to include students who will achieve academic success, higher levels of learning as they are challenged, success in their schoolwork, self-esteem and interact with other gifted students in a positive learning environment.

OVERVIEW

The Gifted & Talented program is structured to target the needs of our high-potential students by providing them an opportunity for more varied and in-depth experiences than are normally possible in the regular school program in order to realize their contribution to self and society.

PROGRAM GOALS

Develop a positive self-concept in gifted children and positive attitudes toward others
To increase higher levels of productive thinking
Fostering critical thinking skills through various problem-solving activities
Uncover and broaden interests
Develop the quality of perseverance and task commitment
Demonstrate skills in self-directed learning, research, and communication.
Develop and use intellectual creativity and originality.
Acquire or develop leadership skills.
To enable gifted children to pursue self-initiated learning activities through the process of advanced inquiry and independent study through the use of many stimuli
To foster interaction with other gifted students in Hudson County Gifted Schools and to encourage a positive atmosphere working environment with peers at County Convocations and Competitions.

The program is designed to inspire, challenge, and drive the students to thrive through enrichment. The Secaucus School District believes each child is unique and has the right to achieve at their highest potential.