Bay Head School educators have been differentiating instruction for years: assessing and evaluating students and using that data to offer individualized instruction. Typically this has involved the creation of 3 leveled groups during small group instruction of Language Arts in K-5: below grade level, on grade level, and advanced learners.
Our school’s WIN structure allows for even more targeted instruction in Language Arts and Math and an opportunity for all students to reach their fullest potential. Participating students can develop meaningful enrichment experiences that focus on their strengths beyond general education classroom content, using an interdisciplinary approach that covers grade level and above grade-level standards in Reading and Writing.
Below are some frequently asked questions about the program Ms. Meyer uses with her WIN students. If you have a question you don't see addressed, please email me at [email protected] or call at (732) 892-0668
Why WIN and not AA&E or "Gifted Education?"
The goal of the WIN program is to maximize the growth and potential of all students. The students with Ms. Meyer are those who have been identified as most benefiting from individualized instructional opportunities outside their general ed classroom. The goal is not simply to identify students who fit the criteria of being "gifted." Many educators operate under the belief that all students are gifted in various ways and address this in the general ed classroom through differentiated instruction. Our school's specific program is most ideal for students whose needs, in comparison to their grade level peers, are in a different skill level in Language Arts or Math: so-much-so that a separate setting and curriculum would most suitably address their academic needs. Children who meet with other WIN teachers should not be considered “not gifted:” their needs are being met in the general education classroom by a teacher who recognizes their gifts and talents. (see "Thoughts" tab for more on this)
How are students identified as being candidates for the program?
Research shows that multiple measures of assessment- both informal and formal- should be collected and examined. For our program, these measurements include Developmental Reading Assessments, standardized test scores, teacher feedback, subject grade point average and/or work samples. No one factor (eg teacher recommendation or a high score on the NJ-SLA) can determine whether a student can benefit from the special education services offered in WIN. There is no minimum “score” to qualify for services, as it varies based on the levels of instruction offered in the general ed classroom. Please see the ID AA&E (Identification of AA&E) tab on this website for more! For Ms. Meyer's Math WIN students, the identification criteria is math-based. For her LA students, the criteria is LA based.
How does NJ Administrative Code define a student who is gifted?
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.
Where does WIN with Ms. Meyer take place?
Ms. Meyer's classroom is the STEAM Lab.
How often will identified students attend WIN with Ms. Meyer?
Students with Ms. Meyer will attend twice a week for LA and once a week for Math. LA Sessions will address the advancement of their academic studies and also provide an opportunity for enrichment. Instruction may also involve reading opportunities at a student's exact DRA instructional level or more in-depth coverage of skills and concepts. Enrichment includes project-based learning (PBL) STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) activities. See "links" section for more on PBL. Math sessions are deeper investigations into the topics being covered in the general ed curriculum. Ms. Meyer's WIN students will also benefit from WIN time from the classroom teacher on the other days of the week.
Will WIN students who leave the general ed classroom be responsible for work they miss?
Since all students are working in small groups during WIN time, WIN work is the only work students are responsible for during this period.
Is it fair that my child goes to WIN outside the classroom and another does not?
Meeting the needs of all our learners is a high priority. Needs are not the same, and services are varied for each learner. As the adage goes, "fair" does not mean "the same." Additionally, all K-5 classrooms experience WIN in a small group setting and all students experience an Enrichment component by participating in PEP (Pupil Enrichment Program). PEP is a whole group version of the PBL-STEAM (Project Based Learning -Science Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) enrichment model.
Is WIN with Ms. Meyer the same as special education services?
Many people are surprised to learn that gifted education is listed as one category under special education services. Currently in NJ there are no requirements for IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) related to "gifted learners." However, the state does require that schools provide appropriate educational services for gifted and talented students in grades K-12. It may also be surprising, to some, to note that students can also be "twice exceptional." Twice exceptional, or "2-E," refers to students who receive special education services in more than one area. For example, a student may have an IEP for dyslexia, and may also be identified as gifted.
Is the WIN program similar to any other schools?
The format of our WIN program was created in collaboration with professors and fellow graduate students at Rutgers University. Additionally, the administration at Antrim School and Mrs. Kimberly Hoffman, the Gifted Education Teacher, generously shared their experiences in beginning a similar program in their district. Further, the WIN structure is being adopted by an increasing number of schools across the nation. Our PEP program, offered to all students at BHS is, in some schools' WIN programs, only offered to students who meet certain criteria. We are proud to offer it to all students.
My child has WIN with Ms. Meyer this year. Will they automatically be taught by her next year?
No. Identification will take place yearly, as identification depends largely on examining data related to peer performance and what level of instruction is being offered in the general ed classroom. Rates of progress of students and their peers also play a factor.
My child sees Ms. Meyer for WIN. Is this all year long?
This can change, but rarely. Students can have their needs met by a different WIN teacher for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, parental request. lack of progress, or teacher recommendation.
How will I know what/how my child is doing during WIN time?
Anecdotal progress reports will be sent home each marking period.
Our school’s WIN structure allows for even more targeted instruction in Language Arts and Math and an opportunity for all students to reach their fullest potential. Participating students can develop meaningful enrichment experiences that focus on their strengths beyond general education classroom content, using an interdisciplinary approach that covers grade level and above grade-level standards in Reading and Writing.
Below are some frequently asked questions about the program Ms. Meyer uses with her WIN students. If you have a question you don't see addressed, please email me at [email protected] or call at (732) 892-0668
Why WIN and not AA&E or "Gifted Education?"
The goal of the WIN program is to maximize the growth and potential of all students. The students with Ms. Meyer are those who have been identified as most benefiting from individualized instructional opportunities outside their general ed classroom. The goal is not simply to identify students who fit the criteria of being "gifted." Many educators operate under the belief that all students are gifted in various ways and address this in the general ed classroom through differentiated instruction. Our school's specific program is most ideal for students whose needs, in comparison to their grade level peers, are in a different skill level in Language Arts or Math: so-much-so that a separate setting and curriculum would most suitably address their academic needs. Children who meet with other WIN teachers should not be considered “not gifted:” their needs are being met in the general education classroom by a teacher who recognizes their gifts and talents. (see "Thoughts" tab for more on this)
How are students identified as being candidates for the program?
Research shows that multiple measures of assessment- both informal and formal- should be collected and examined. For our program, these measurements include Developmental Reading Assessments, standardized test scores, teacher feedback, subject grade point average and/or work samples. No one factor (eg teacher recommendation or a high score on the NJ-SLA) can determine whether a student can benefit from the special education services offered in WIN. There is no minimum “score” to qualify for services, as it varies based on the levels of instruction offered in the general ed classroom. Please see the ID AA&E (Identification of AA&E) tab on this website for more! For Ms. Meyer's Math WIN students, the identification criteria is math-based. For her LA students, the criteria is LA based.
How does NJ Administrative Code define a student who is gifted?
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.
Where does WIN with Ms. Meyer take place?
Ms. Meyer's classroom is the STEAM Lab.
How often will identified students attend WIN with Ms. Meyer?
Students with Ms. Meyer will attend twice a week for LA and once a week for Math. LA Sessions will address the advancement of their academic studies and also provide an opportunity for enrichment. Instruction may also involve reading opportunities at a student's exact DRA instructional level or more in-depth coverage of skills and concepts. Enrichment includes project-based learning (PBL) STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) activities. See "links" section for more on PBL. Math sessions are deeper investigations into the topics being covered in the general ed curriculum. Ms. Meyer's WIN students will also benefit from WIN time from the classroom teacher on the other days of the week.
Will WIN students who leave the general ed classroom be responsible for work they miss?
Since all students are working in small groups during WIN time, WIN work is the only work students are responsible for during this period.
Is it fair that my child goes to WIN outside the classroom and another does not?
Meeting the needs of all our learners is a high priority. Needs are not the same, and services are varied for each learner. As the adage goes, "fair" does not mean "the same." Additionally, all K-5 classrooms experience WIN in a small group setting and all students experience an Enrichment component by participating in PEP (Pupil Enrichment Program). PEP is a whole group version of the PBL-STEAM (Project Based Learning -Science Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) enrichment model.
Is WIN with Ms. Meyer the same as special education services?
Many people are surprised to learn that gifted education is listed as one category under special education services. Currently in NJ there are no requirements for IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) related to "gifted learners." However, the state does require that schools provide appropriate educational services for gifted and talented students in grades K-12. It may also be surprising, to some, to note that students can also be "twice exceptional." Twice exceptional, or "2-E," refers to students who receive special education services in more than one area. For example, a student may have an IEP for dyslexia, and may also be identified as gifted.
Is the WIN program similar to any other schools?
The format of our WIN program was created in collaboration with professors and fellow graduate students at Rutgers University. Additionally, the administration at Antrim School and Mrs. Kimberly Hoffman, the Gifted Education Teacher, generously shared their experiences in beginning a similar program in their district. Further, the WIN structure is being adopted by an increasing number of schools across the nation. Our PEP program, offered to all students at BHS is, in some schools' WIN programs, only offered to students who meet certain criteria. We are proud to offer it to all students.
My child has WIN with Ms. Meyer this year. Will they automatically be taught by her next year?
No. Identification will take place yearly, as identification depends largely on examining data related to peer performance and what level of instruction is being offered in the general ed classroom. Rates of progress of students and their peers also play a factor.
My child sees Ms. Meyer for WIN. Is this all year long?
This can change, but rarely. Students can have their needs met by a different WIN teacher for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, parental request. lack of progress, or teacher recommendation.
How will I know what/how my child is doing during WIN time?
Anecdotal progress reports will be sent home each marking period.
The PowerPoint below was developed in 2018 and has not been updated.
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