Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
Cambrian School District’s Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) services are designed to meet the daily academic needs of eligible students in grades 3 through 8. Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills represent essential components of the GATE services and help students to become independent, life-long learners. Differentiated curricular opportunities are available to all students who benefit from additional challenges as well as to students who are formally identified as GATE.
In elementary and middle school, the model for GATE services is differentiation within the regular classroom. Teachers enrich and extend the core curriculum for gifted students giving them the opportunity to understand the curriculum in greater depth and complexity. Currently, each elementary school also offers some after school GATE opportunities as well as offering joint GATE Science Night.
Our GATE services also include some project based learning at the district’s schools. Materials, professional development and resources are provided at the district level through a variety of research based curriculum, including Junior Great Books and the exploration of units of study from the College of William and Mary. The District GATE Committee comprised of teachers, parents and administrators, works to continually modify and improve the quality of offerings for Cambrian’s Gifted and Talented identified students.
Identifying Gifted and Talented Students
The district’s identification procedures are equitable and comprehensive. Formal identification for GATE begins in 3rd grade. According to Ed Code, multi-measures are used to identify students as gifted and talented. These measures include:
- A non-reading test of cognitive processing skills (Cognitive Abilities Test: CogAT)
- Standardized test scores
- Checklists of Indicators of Giftedness
- Teacher judgment, including class work and portfolio
Parents are notified by letter if their child has qualified as a GATE student. This is followed by a parent orientation meeting.
Contacts |
Lani Potts Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services pottsl@cambriansd.org |
| Carlena Grandey Administrative Assistant grandeyc@cambriansd.org |
