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What is the identification
Process?
Third graders are tested district wide with all students having access to the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT). Parents are notified when the test results are returned from the publisher usually by mid-April. Placement is the fourth grade magnet GATE program is offered to qualifying students for the following school year.
Fourth and fifth grade students may be referred by a parent or a teacher to receive further testing. The OLSAT is administered and scored. Placement in GATE program is offered to qualifying students for the following school year.
Students who qualify with 95% or above in Total math, and/or Total reading for any two years on an achievement test (such as SAT-9, CTBS) have the scores reviewed by the GATE Coordinator. Placement in GATE program is offered to qualifying student for the following school year.
Students new to our district who have previously been identified will have their identification reviewed by the GATE Coordinator for placement in the program.
Students who are tested in the private sector must provide the GATE coordinator with all documentation and determination of placement will be made at that time.
Identification for the GATE program is multifaceted. A child qualified for the program with one of these assessments:
How many students are identified?
The number of students fluctuates from year to year but we usually identify 40 - 50 third graders.
How do I know if my child is gifted?
California's school serves the most diverse student population in the world. The board range of cultural, academic, economic, and linguistic characteristics are also represented in the gifted population. Gifted student have on common characteristic: the ability to perform at remarkable high levels of accomplishment in one or more areas when accessed against others of their age, experience, or environment. See this page for more about identification of gifted child.
What are the advantages to placing my child in a magnet program?
In addition to the curriculum advantages there is the advantage of other gifted students within the same class. This provides peers of like academic talents and abilities, and opportunities to experience the talents and contribution of other GATE students. These interests and abilities within the group often create a situation that provides friendships.
When do I have to notify the school of residence?
Class configurations will be determined when all permission slips are returned. The sooner these are returned the easier for all concerned including your home school site.
What is the normal class size?
Our class size is anywhere from 25 to 32 students, which is the district class size. The neighborhood population may be blended with the GATE student to achieve that ratio.
What is differentiated curriculum?
The district's core curriculum is used as a base and presented in an integrated, thematic, challenging curriculum. Depending on the needs of the students the curriculum may be presented with more depth, complexity, speed and/or with a completely different method. The elementary GATE program uses the research of Dr. Howard Gardner and integrates all intelligence areas into the curriculum.
Will it be a lot ofhomework, my child is involved in numerous extra-curricular activities?
Many gifted student are involved in activities outside of the school day. The amount of homework is usually about the same as regular forth and fifth grade which is about one hour to an hour and half each night. The homework may not be resemble homework you are used to seeing and may be long term projects which require time management. If your child has not had open-ended projects this may be a new experience for him/her.
Will my child have P.E. and other specialists?
The GATE program is a class at the sites just as other neighborhood classes. The regular program is available to all students. P.E., Library, and Band are a part of the specialist area offered to GATE students.
Is this class going to be frustrating for my child?
The GATE teachers strive for academic excellence not academic adequacy. The goal of the program is to challenge your child to be the best that he or she can be! The nurturing of the specific area of giftedness is rewarding for most students. The students who have adequate study skills often have little trouble adjusting; however, some gifted students have used their linguistic abilities to survive and some times have produced few products which demonstrate their abilities. These students will need study skills, time management and organizational skills to help them with the GATE curriculum.
What is my child doesn't do well?
Our goal is student success! Carefully attention and program planning ensures opportunities for success. A few students experience difficulty in the first trimester, however, with study skills and organizational skills in place these usually disappear. Teacher are in constant communication with parents and with your child.
When will the identification process be complete?
Due to the number of students involved in district wide testing, scoring and notification may take three to four months. Parents are notified in late spring.
Who may recommend my child for testing?
Your child's teacher (past or present), the parents,
or in secondary, the student may request testing.
No. the district does not provide transportation,
but car pools are formed early in the year.
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