Project ECG (3-5)

Project ECG (3-5)

Overview of Project ECG (Enrichment Cluster Groups)

Starting in third grade and continuing through fifth, students may be selected for placement in Enrichment Cluster Groups (ECG). These groups bring together students with similar strengths in a general education setting, maximizing opportunities for collaboration and growth. The flexible nature of these clusters allows students to work alongside peers without the permanence of rigid grouping. Project ECG offers enrichment through differentiated instruction designed to enhance concepts while fostering the development of higher-level cognitive skills. The program encourages students to apply what they've learned in real-world contexts and participate in activities that challenge and refine their critical thinking abilities.

The number of students in each ECG can vary year to year and by school, based on specific criteria. Students must demonstrate strong abilities in both literacy and math, and performing well on assessments plays a key role in determining their placement. Assessments provide valuable insight into students' progress and help identify those who would benefit most from the enriched curriculum. At the end of the school year, students are re-evaluated to determine their placement for the following year. Progress is communicated every trimester. It's important to note that ECG students receive in-class differentiation, and their placement remains flexible.

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.