The Isidor & Ida Straus School’s Gifted & Talented (G&T) Program started in the Fall of 2010 with a Kindergarten class and has grown by adding a grade each year. Now, entering our sixth year, the G&T program offers students K-5 an inquiry-based interdisciplinary approach with enrichments and accelerated content.
Our philosophy is to develop the whole child by offering an overall enriching environment that enhances the child’s development in a natural school setting, as well as offering experiences beyond the regular classroom. Students in our G&T Program know they are part of the PS198M community first and may realize they are in the G&T program later. Our students regularly wear their “Go Bulldogs” t-shirt and attend school functions like movie night or the 5th grade ice cream social because PS198M is one school.
Starting in Kindergarten, our students ask challenging and provocative questions while learning how to gather information from a variety of primary and secondary sources, think critically about that information and apply their knowledge to the problems they have posed. They also learn to communicate their knowledge clearly, both verbally and in writing.
Teaching is based on literature and experiential learning rather than textbooks alone. Science and math use a hands-on approach made tangible through “manipulatives,” and our students’ work is displayed on the classroom walls as well as in the halls. Being a good neighbor and friend is emphasized as a major component to learning. Our interdisciplinary curriculum also includes field trips, guest speakers, music, art, science, chess and technology.
Every year, the DOE determines the number of programs needed by each district based on the number of students who meet the eligibility requirements. Should your child be eligible for a NYC DOE G&T program, a complete list of programs available to your child will be included with the G&T application.