The Enrichment program at Harding Township School is designed to nurture and enhance the talents and interests of all students. We believe that this supportive learning environment helps every student thrive and reach their fullest potential. Based on Joseph Renzulli’s Schoolwide Enrichment Model, students have enrichment opportunities provided by a specifically trained teacher. This allows the teacher to deliver targeted enrichment that enhances learning beyond the typical classroom curriculum. The enrichment program is designed to be inclusive rather than exclusive, encouraging students to reach their highest potential by meeting their individual interests, abilities, and needs under the district’s curricular framework.

In addition to providing high quality educational opportunities for all students, we recognize that the needs of students vary. Harding Township School offers a variety of programs for students whose instruction needs to be supplemented for deeper or accelerated learning. The multiple measures used to identify gifted and talented students for enrichment may include the following: district benchmark assessments, classroom performance including tests, quizzes, and classroom participation, NJSLA, teacher and/or staff recommendation, parent recommendation, student interest, and student recommendation. These determinations are typically made at the beginning of each school year, but groupings remain fluid throughout the year.

Continuum of Services
Type I General Exploratory Activities

Large groups of students, either as a whole school, grade level or class, explore new topics and interests. Type 1 enrichment activities include: guest speakers, field trips, performances, special projects and lessons with a specialist. Our enrichment teacher works with the classroom teachers, the community, the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and the Harding Township Education Foundation (HTEF) to bring these experiences to students.

Type II Small Group Activities

Type II enrichment activities occur with smaller groups of students who show interest or ability in a particular subject or activity. These enrichment activities are organized through the enrichment teacher, classroom teacher, or special areas teacher. These activities may include an advanced class, such as Accelerated Honors Algebra or Jazz Band Enrichment.

Type III Enrichment

Type III enrichment provides opportunities for students to participate in advanced level investigations focused on student identified problems which may extend beyond the walls of the school. Students conduct research and create products in order to solve an identified problem within their area of interest. Often, Type III Enrichment investigations involve connections to solving real-world problems and challenges. Through participation in various competitions, students have the opportunity to present to authentic audiences on projects that have real-world relevance, helping them cultivate critical thinking and presentation skills.

Complaint Form

If you have a concern related to the Gifted & Talented Program, please complete this G&T Complaint Form

Board of Education Policy