Somerdale STEPS Coordinator - James Brown
Somerdale STEPS Adminisrator - Greg Cesare
Somerdale STEPS Program Overview
Program Outline
Somerdale Park offers a Gifted and Talented Program called STEPS (Students Thinking Exploring Practicing Sharing). This is offered in grades K-8. Students in the STEPS program attend a pull out, small group session with the STEPS program coordinator. This teacher oversees a student-led, project based program. The teacher works to identify the areas that students are gifted in, and passionate about, and help them choose projects that will broaden their horizons and deepen their interest in those areas.
Criteria and Procedures
In grade K-2, students are identified through use of a teacher referral form, which is provided to all teachers each fall and scored by the STEPS coordinator. In 3-8, the same teacher recommendation form is used, and any students recommended are given the CogAT assessment. Any students receiving an overall qualifying score are admitted to the program. Consideration is given to students who receive a qualifying score on any of the test measures. Students from the prior school year are automatically re-enrolled. Students in grades 3-8 are expected to maintain A’s and B’s in order to stay in the program.
Parent Communication and Complaint Procedure
Parent/Guardians are notified when their child is referred for CogAT assessment, and also when their student is eligible or ineligible for participation in STEPS. Should a parent wish to dispute their child’s eligibility or participation, they are able to directly contact the administrator overseeing the STEPS program. The parent will receive a written decision to affirm, reject, or modify the district’s action in the matter. If unsatisfied with the outcome, the parent may then file a petition of appeal of the Board’s written decision to the Commissioner of Education through the Office of Controversies and Disputes in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:6-9 and the procedures set forth in State Board of Education regulations.