Project ECG (3-5)

Project ECG (3-5)

Overview of Project ECG (Enrichment Cluster Groups)

Beginning in third grade and continuing through fifth grade, students are

identified for placement into Enrichment Cluster Groups (ECG). Each group consists of identified ECG students placed together in a general education classroom to maximize exposure to peers with similar strengths. The "cluster" of students allows them to learn together while avoiding permanent grouping arrangements. The number of identified students in the program varies from year to year and from school to school, based upon established criteria. Students placed in a cluster group are re-evaluated at the end of the school year to determine their placement for the following year.

Project ECG offers enrichment through differentiated instruction that provides concept enhancement while developing and improving complex, cognitive skills. The goal is for students to apply knowledge gained to real-world situations and

participate in activities designed to stimulate and improve critical thinking abilities.

Project ECG Identification

There are three ways a student can qualify for consideration in gifted and talented programming:

1. Performance Data - gathered from the following sources, where available:

- - Renaissance Learning Star Reading and Math assessments
  - NJSLA Reading and Math performance data
  - Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment
  - CogAT - Cognitive Abilities Test

2. Teacher Input

- - Throughout the qualification process, teachers offer insights and feedback to the selection committee, drawing from students’ classroom performance and anecdotal observations. Please note, teachers do not recommend students for Gifted & Talented Program placement.

3. Parent or Guardian Nomination

- - Parents or guardians may nominate their child by providing a written request to the classroom teacher. The letter of nomination must include the following:

○ Student Name

○ Parent/Guardian(s) Name, Address, and Telephone Number

○ School, Grade, and Homeroom Teacher

○ Information about your child’s personal qualities that you believe are associated with exceptionality

○ Learning/behavioral characteristics of your child associated with general intellectual ability

NOTE: Recommendation for screening in steps 1-3 does not provide automatic admission into any program.