How should a "gifted" student be defined? What criteria should be used? These were two questions the Garden City Board of Education considered at a June 13th work session during a presentation on the district's Quest Program.

Middle School Principal Peter Osroff believes that students should not be segregated based on academic achievement and is looking to make significant changes to the Quest program at the Middle School level. He is a firm believer that all children should receive the same opportunities.

In September, Quest-based elective "core of discovery" classes will be offered to students at all levels in grades seven and eight. Also beginning in September, Quest students will meet on alternate days in a specially designated Quest class. The Quest program for sixth graders will for now remain unchanged. School Board President Kenneth Monaghan acknowledged that the program is "moving in the right direction" but is still a work in progress.

Currently, entrance into the program is based on test scores. Osroff believes that is not fair since some students who do not test well may still be considered gifted. Also, some students may qualify for the program for one subject, such as math or English/language arts. He argued that the district's program is not technically only for the "gifted" since that term encompasses those who score in the top one to two percent on IQ exams.

Diane Hopkins, principal of Stratford Avenue Elementary School, said the goal of the Quest program at the third- through fifth-grade levels is to help develop students' ability to recognize their potential. The program also focuses on developing higher-level thinking, and organizational, research, leadership and interpersonal skills.

Dr. Marie C. Braccia, principal of Stewart Elementary School, said Quest teachers focus on problem-solving strategies that will benefit students throughout their lives. Students qualify for the program by scoring a minimum of 130 on a cognitive ability test. They are tested every year so entrance into the program can begin at any grade level.