GATE programs vary from school to school depending on the number of students,
faculty, and other programs at the school. But all elementary schools have clusters
of GATE and high potential students in 4th and 5th grade classes. In middle
and high schools GATE and high potential students may enroll in Honors and Advanced
Placement classes. Check for prerequisites that may need to be met. GATE students
who are in regular education classes will receive differentiated instruction
in GATE and high potential clusters.
A new multiple variable system of identifying students for GATE started in
the 2002-2003 school year. A site-based team considers a variety of factors
in the GATE-identification process including teacher and parent recommendations,
student report card, achievement test performance, and cognitive abilities test
performance. Regarding test performance, in general, we look for students who
score at the 90th percentile or above on the cognitive abilities test. A student
must score Advanced for two consecutive years in reading, language arts or math
in the CST test. The same rating in one year in two subjects will also qualify
for one point for screening. Scores at the 85th percentile or above for two
consecutive years on the CAT6 tests in reading, language arts or math, or at
the 85th percentile or above in one year in two subjects will qualify for one
point. Students who receive four of six points needed are identified GATE. A
student CAN be identified in one academic subject only.
Site-based teams identify third- through twelfth-grade students once CAT6/CST
test scores are available. Once identified, a student is considered GATE throughout
his/her school career through 12th grade
There is no separate GATE curriculum. The Core Curriculum in each content area
is differentiated using various strategies that provide additional challenge
and opportunities for students to perform to their highest potential based on
their academic needs and interests. Differentiated curriculum/instruction must
be offered throughout the school day – every day. GATE students must meet
core curriculum standards before differentiated instruction occurs.
In middle and high schools Honors and AP classes are one way of addressing
the learning needs of gifted students. Honors and AP classes are available for
all students who are working at high levels beyond the Core Curriculum, not
just GATE-identified students. There may be prerequisites for admission in these
classes.
