A Continuum of Services
The educational services offered to identified gifted and twice exceptional students encourages and challenges identified students in the specific areas of their abilities, but does not replace the basic instructional program of the various grades of this district. Instruction is designed to engage all students and modified based on student data.
Instructional adaptations and modifications provided to identified gifted and twice exceptional students align to the characteristics of a Gifted Learner and may include, but not limited to: self-reflection, critical thinking, and problem solving skills in alignment with students’ instructional levels and the NJSLS; furthermore students are provided with time and space to think in novel or divergent ways; addressing interpersonal skills; expanding student interests, perseverance, and performance in an atmosphere where strengths and uniqueness are acknowledged and celebrated; and providing time for students to meet, interact, socialize and collaborate with similar-ability peers.
The services offered to identified gifted and twice exceptional students may include, but not limited to: enrichment opportunities & seminars, classroom differentiated instruction, acceleration/flexible pacing/compacted curricula, and elective courses.
Elementary School
- Kindergarten through Second Grade: Instructional adaptations are listed in the district's curricula; all students are exposed to enrichment opportunities in their classrooms as they work through the various content areas and units of study in small groups of students; this is provided for one 40-minute period per every 6 -day cycle by the elementary gifted and talented teacher.
- Third & Fourth Grade: Students may be selected, based on data and the need for academic enrichment in Math and/or Literacy beyond those already provided in the classroom. Both the mathematics and literacy advanced learning opportunities occur for one 40-minute period per 6 day cycle with the schools gifted and talented teacher.
Middle School
- Accelerated Courses (5th-8th Grade) in English Language Arts & Mathematics / (7th-8th Grade) Science & Social Studies: Students are identified on multiple measures and demonstrated deep interest in the subject areas. Students in their respective classes take on a more problem / project based learning approach toward the authentic acquisition of content, the processing of information and production of an outcome reflecting one's learning and understanding.
- Middle School Humanities Electives (7th & 8th Grade): Courses available to any student who has earned an A or B grade in Language Arts or Social Studies in the prior academic year. In 7th grade, the elective courses are Odyssey of the Mind / Global Concerns. In 8th grade, the elective course is Biodiversity / Video Documentary. The elective courses emphasize project based learning, and offer opportunities for students to hone research, writing and presentation skills.
High School
- The Technology-Enriched Academy for Mathematics and Science at Teaneck High School, is a special Honors and Advanced Placement program for motivated students interested in pursuing an integrated study of mathematics, science, computer science, and engineering. The T.E.A.M.S. program provides students in the program with an opportunity to study challenging mathematics, science, and computer science curricula with an emphasis on problem-based learning in a personal and supportive environment. Heavy emphasis is placed on the use of graphing calculators, computers, programming languages and other technologies in the course of study.
- HONORS COURSES: These courses are designed for educationally advanced students. They demand a high degree of motivation and past achievement. These courses, when taken in the appropriate sequence, are preparatory for the Advanced Placement courses. Students electing a course described as honors will have the course designation indicated on their transcripts. See the Teaneck High School Course Guide to determine the impact of honors courses on your GPA and class rank.
- ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES: Advanced Placement courses are approved by the Educational Testing Service (a division of the College Board) to allow students the opportunity to complete college-level studies during secondary school. AP course offerings are for the most educationally advanced students and should be taken only with the recommendation of their current classroom teacher. Students choosing these courses should be achieving grades of at least an A- or B+ in the Honors sequence.