Gifted and Talented
Gifted and Talented Program Services, Criteria, and Policies
The District utilizes multiple measures to identify gifted and talented students in the areas of intellectual ability, creativity, and specific content knowledge. This process includes all students, including English Language Learners and those with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans.
Placement in Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses is determined using a variety of indicators. These measures may include academic performance, course grades, summative assessment results, critical thinking skills, the ability to draw deeper connections in reading and discussion, advanced application of content knowledge, achievements in the fine and practical arts, accomplishments in physical education and athletics, faculty recommendations, and other appropriate measures. This identification process is ongoing throughout high school, allowing students to move between academic levels as needed. AP Potential data is also considered in AP placement decisions.
Teachers at all academic levels (CP, CPE, Honors, and AP) differentiate instruction through adjustments in process, content, and product, while taking into account student learning styles, readiness levels, and interests. Strategies for differentiating instruction for gifted and talented students are embedded within District curriculum documents.
The District also offers several specialized programs to nurture students’ abilities and passions. The University Program features three four-year tracks in International Studies and Business, Engineering and Design, and Science, Medicine, and Research. Each track requires a sequence of courses providing students with unique opportunities in their chosen field. The Pathways Program offers nine areas of study, enabling students to complete 20 credits in a concentrated area through core and interdisciplinary coursework over four years.
Beyond the classroom, the District provides extensive athletics and extracurricular activities. Opportunities include individual and team sports, Academic Decathlon, Science League, Math League, Debate, Robotics, literary and art publications, and music programs. Students frequently earn recognition through programs such as the Governor’s School, National Merit Scholarships, leadership initiatives, regional art shows, fashion competitions, the Seal of Biliteracy, and athletic honors at the All-Conference, All-County, All-State, and All-American levels
Policies and Procedures
- Policy 2464 - Gifted and Talented Students / Honors / Accelerated Instruction
- Regulation 2464 - Gifted and Talented
Additional Information
Any questions about the curriculum, recommendation process for enrollment in the various academic levels, and the Gifted and Talented Program, please contact Darren Groh (201.416.8100 ext. 3818 or dgroh@rih.org), Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Articulation.
Additional information about the District’s Gifted and Talented Program can be found in the BOE Policy 2464 (Gifted and Talented Students / Honors / Accelerated Instruction) and BOE Regulation 2464 (Gifted and Talented).
Complaint Process for Noncompliance
For information on issuing a complaint about the Program, please see BOE Policy 9130 (Public Complaints and Grievances) and BOE Regulation 9130 (Public Complaints and Grievances).
Additional Information