Gifted and Talented

GEM (Galloway Enrichment Model):

The Galloway Enrichment Model is provided for those students who have been designated via a matrix selection process as Gifted and Talented which is defined by the NJ Department of Education as "Those exceptionally able students who possess or demonstrate high levels of ability, in one or more content areas, when compared to their chronological peers in the local district and who require modification of their educational program if they are to achieve in accordance with their capabilities." In addition to classroom instruction and arts and humanities offerings, our district provides a Primary Enrichment Program (PEP) in grades K-3, GEM in grades 4-6, and subject specific accelerations in grades 7 & 8.

If you have any questions regarding gifted and talented programming in GTPS, please contact Dr. Suzanne Guidry, Director of Curriculum at  609-748-1250 x1007.

Non-compliance Notice: An individual who believes that a school district has not complied with the provisions of the Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act may file a complaint with the board of education.

The complaint shall be submitted in writing to the board office. The superintendent or designee shall take the necessary actions to correct or remediate the complaint and report such actions to the board.

The board shall issue a decision, in writing, to affirm, reject, or modify the district's action in the matter. The individual may then file a petition of appeal of the board's written decision to the Commissioner of Education through the Office of Controversies and Disputes in accordance with N.J.S.18A:6-9 and the procedures set forth in State Board of Education regulations.

  • Criteria used in consideration for eligibility, including the multiple measures. The Galloway Enrichment Model (GEM) is provided for those students who have been designated, via a matrix selection process, as "exceptionally abled" in grades four through six. The matrix consists of available measures: standardized assessments, report card indicators/grades, and benchmark assessments.

  • Applicable timelines in the identification process. The matrix is reviewed semi-annually. Additionally, students new to the district are reviewed at off-cycle periods as needed. Additionally, evaluation of equity and representation are conducted along with correlation studies which evaluate the matrix criteria for predictive accuracy.

  • Alignment of students' needs to services. Specifically, in grades 4 and 5, students are provided integrated enrichment units including STEM, humanities and social sciences, and creative/critical thinking that strengthen students' critical thinking, problem solving and writing skills. In grade 6, GEM is delivered through a replacement social studies course. The curriculum meets all of the standards of the grade 6 history course while extending learning through projects, research and discovery.

The PEP (Primary Enrichment Program) in kindergarten through third grade, provides small group enrichment. Participation is based upon advanced vocabulary, speaking skills (expression and inflection), critical thinking, connecting ideas to real life situations, written expression, creativity, and benchmarking assessments, number sense; math "talk"; spatial sense; reasoning/logic ability; excitement/interest in math; and pre-assessment. All groups may change periodically to provide services to additional students. PEP selection criteria includes district-wide administration of the Primary Education Thinking Skills (PETS) assessment.

GEM Mission Statement: The GEM Program will serve as a vehicle for radiating excellence throughout the school environment. A partnership of home, school, and community will challenge students to develop their talent potential to the fullest. The focus of the program is to instill a love of learning and to maximize creativity, task commitment, and productivity. The GEM program strives to further enhance and extend the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

Statement of Philosophy:

  • As per NJDOE regulations, the Galloway Township Gifted and Talented Program will meet the needs of the most able through the recognition that there are students with exceptional needs that must be identified and addressed.

  • Students will be encouraged to develop their interests, total talents and abilities to the fullest potential.

  • Students will be guided in becoming independent, creative producers.

  • Emphasis will be placed on teaching and learning strategies that are thematic and interdisciplinary.

  • There will be regularly scheduled communication between the classroom teachers and enrichment teachers to enhance collaboration and shared responsibility while providing continuity and equity.

  • Students, school personnel, parents, and community members are partners with a shared interest in the success of the PEP/GEM program.

  • Every effort will be made to creatively seek a variety of resources to support program goals.

  • The PEP/GEM program will be based upon the best practices research and practices adapted to the unique philosophy and direction of the Galloway Township Public Schools.

  • We believe that children grow and develop at different rates. Therefore, students will be reassessed each year.

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