Forum to discuss talented, gifted program

0
65

PROSPECT — Officials will hold an open forum on the new talented and gifted program at Long River Middle School.

The program was introduced at Long River this school year. It’s the first of its kind in Region 16, which oversees schools in Beacon Falls and Prospect.

When discussing starting the program, school officials emphasized that the program is not intended for every student. Through the first month or so of the school year, Superintendent of Schools Michael Yamin said the district received many questions and concerns regarding entry into the program.

The forum is meant to address those questions and discuss the program overall. The forum is Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. at Long River.

The program identifies “academically gifted” students through the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT), a test designed to assess a student’s cognitive abilities related to his or her academic success. Students with an OLSAT score of at least 135 are automatically nominated for the program.

Once students are nominated, their academic achievement data, including standardized test scores, report cards and teacher checklists, are reviewed and a district team meets to determine eligibility.

Yamin said about 85 students were nominated for the program this year. There are about 18 students in each grade level currently in the program, he said.

The Board of Education hired a teacher to oversee the program and students in it receive time during the school day for additional studies, particularly in the areas of science, math, technology and humanities.

Yamin told the school board last week that the program will be evaluated at the end of the year.

“We hope it grows,” he said. “If it grows it means it’s something the community wants.”