Gifted and Talented

Check out our latest information session from Jan. 23, 2024!

What is Norwalk Public School's Gifted and Talented Program?

Norwalk Public Schools is committed to educating our children to their highest potential, affirming that outstanding talents are present in children and youth from all cultural groups and across all economic strata. The program offers opportunities for peer groups to challenge and learn from one another and develops a desire for excellence and a sense of individual responsibility to the school community and to a changing society.

The newly redesigned Gifted & Talented program will provide advanced, conceptually challenging, in-depth cross-curricula content which focuses on authentic research and problem solving skills. Staff will provide facilitation to support students to become independent and self-aware learners. Language, reading and writing are embedded across all disciplines. Differentiation allows for acceleration in all curriculum areas as may be appropriate for the individual student through curriculum compacting.

The program is aligned with best practices of the National Association of Gifted Children and is guided by the Renzulli Model of Schoolwide Enrichment. 

Mission:

We are committed to nurturing the whole child’s distinct and diverse strengths, talents, and passions in order to develop student-driven critical thinking, authentic learning, individual responsibility, and global citizenship.

Vision:

We believe gifts and talents are present in all children. Through the cultivation of enjoyment, engagement, and enthusiasm for learning, we will nurture students’ unique social-emotional needs and creative thinking practices. As a result, students will contribute to their school, community, and society as constructive and innovative global citizens.

For Students:

•  Explore strengths and interests
•  Develop critical thinking and creativity skills
•  Participate in student-driven authentic learning experiences

 For Educators: 

•  Ongoing professional development 
•  Knowledge of current and relevant pedagogy
•  Usage of evidence-based practices and assessment data to inform instruction

 For Programming:  

•  Fostering social-emotional learning
•  Enrichment based on student interest
•  Equitable identification processes and services 

How are Students Identified for the Gifted and Talented Program? 

Gifted behavior looks different in every child. Norwalk Public Schools is dedicated to developing the talents of students who have strengths in multiple areas.

 

What Identification Measures are Used to Determine Student Eligibility? 

• Achievement Measures 
• Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test
• Student Work
• Teacher Narrative
• Teacher Rating Scale

Student share meetings occur with the classroom teacher, an administrator, district coordinator and G&T teacher. This is a time to discuss the whole child.

What is the Timeline for Student Admissions to the Gifted and Talented Program?

We embrace a rolling admission process. Student performance is evaluated continually. For information specific to your child, please contact your child’s classroom teacher or the gifted and talented teacher at his or her school.

How Can Parents Recommend Their Student? 

Norwalk Public Schools offers two recommendation periods each school year for families interested in recommending their student for the GT program.

• Winter Window: December 1-13, 2025
• Spring Window: March 30-April 10, 2026

Parents and guardians may recommend their student once per school year. For more information regarding the types of behaviors and traits to look for when deciding whether to recommend your child, as well as the recommendation process, please see the handout below. If your child is new to Norwalk Public Schools, please contact Dr. Kimberly Erickson for guidance on eligibility and next steps. 

Spanish Version of the Parent Recommendation Guide

Parent Recommendation Forms

Please click here to access the English version of the parent recommendation form.

Haga clic aquí para acceder a la versión en español del formulario de recomendación de padres.

“We know that all students’ learning improves when schools are perceived as being enjoyable, relevant, friendly places where students have some role deciding what they will learn...” (Renzulli, 1994). 

The G&T Department will provide regular informational postings on the teaching and learning strategies, parent resources as well as monthly highlights of program implementation.