PoGStudio 

(Gifted and Talented)

The New Jersey Department of Education’s administrative regulations (N.J.A.C. 6A:8-3.1) define gifted and talented students as, “Those 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.”

The district’s new PoGStudio program seeks to enhance the quality of education for all students through a program offering differentiation and acceleration through a design-thinking, problem-based learning approach to teaching and learning.


In Tier 1 (K-3), all students receive enrichment in the classroom setting. Differentiated activities and hands-on learning encourage critical thinking through analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Students utilize the “4Cs” - critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication in order to grow as 21st century learners.


The district’s Tier II PoGStudio model (pull-out model for grades 4-6), offers a separate program for students who have been identified using multiple measures of criteria to ensure a comprehensive, fair selection process.  In following the National Association of Gifted Children’s recommended guidelines, the district uses the following multiple measures of criteria, beginning in grade 4 and initially admitting up to the 10th percentile of the district’s student population by grade into the program.


Criteria Grades 4-5


Criteria Grades 6-8

Additionally, the district is excited to offer specified students not identified through the above criteria in grades 4-6 the opportunity to complete an age-appropriate, yet rigorous application process that may lead to inclusion in the PoGStudio classes.  This will enable hard-working, high-achieving students to potentially be included. *This opportunity should only be considered for students who are committed to the work, able to make the necessary sacrifices of time and energy, and willing and able to realistically handle the rigors of the class.  Applications will be completed by students during the school-day, and reviewed by a team at each school consisting of the Principal, Supervisor of Curriculum, and PoGStudio teacher on an annual basis to determine eligibility.

Below you will find a comparison of a gifted learner and a bright child, presented by Janice Szabos in Challenge Magazine.