G.A.T.E.

Gifted and Talented Education Program

Corning Union Elementary School District
Corning, California
G.A.T.E. Coordinator for 2008/2009:  Dr. Bouchard


 

2009 January - May  Session II

GATE Session II Classes

GATE Radio Session by GATE Students in Mr. Wilson's Class

This presentation is the result of some very hard work by our Maywood GATE students. Each student performed his or her own newscast
function from weather to sports and even some commercials related to Maywood's student store and yearbook sales. Our students
worked with the help of KPAY to produce a 15 minute broadcast and we are all very proud of the final project and hope you enjoy it.

 

GATE Session II Calendar

GATE Session II Classes (In Spanish)

Parent Permission Letter and Options for GATE Students

Parent Permission Letter and Options for GATE (In Spanish)

Parent Permission Letter and Options for GATE at Maywood

Parent Permission Letter and Options for GATE at Maywood (In Spanish)

 

 

2008-2009 GATE Index and News

2008-2009 Monthly Class Calendar

GATE Student Evaluation Form for Parents in English
Evaluation of the Characteristics of Superior Students by a Parent

GATE Student Evaluation Form for Parents in Spanish
Evaluacion de Conducta Características a Estudiantes Superiores, Evaluacion para Padres

News and Current Activities for 2008-2009

Classes for 2008-2009

Writing Class 1, Super Heroes, Grades 3-5

Writing Class 2, Writer's Circle, Grades 3-5

Field News Reporting, Grades 6-8

 

News and Current Activities in the GATE Program

Application for GATE Classes at Maywood EAST Computer Lab

GATE General Information for 2007-2008

Parent Evaluation Form (English Version)
Return to Dr. Bouchard by September 21, 2007

Parent Evaluation Form (Spanish Version)
Return to Dr. Bouchard by September 21, 2007

GATE Enrichment Activities Math and/or Science

Parent Permission Form for GATE Enrichment Activities - Olive View

Parent Permission Form for GATE Enrichment Activities - Woodson

 

 

 

Announcing Enrollment Period

The Corning Union Elementary School District is announcing the enrollment period for the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program from September 7 – 21.  Parents or legal guardians who would like to have their child, in grades 3-8 formally assessed for the GATE Program, are encouraged to pick up a Parent Evaluation form and a Consent to Test form at this time.  These forms are available at your school site or by contacting Ms. Bouchard at 824-7715.  The annual testing period will take place in October and will include a variety of measures.  If your child has already qualified for GATE in another district he/she will not need to re-qualify.  The GATE program is designed to offer enrichment in academics and fine arts.  Participation is voluntary pending eligibility.

 

Purpose

The purpose of the Gifted and Talented Education Program is to seek out those students with exceptional abilities and to provide these students with opportunities for enrichment. The program is offered in grades K-8th; however, formal identification does not begin until 3rd grade. The enrichment opportunities are offered in a variety of ways. The general education classroom teacher will be informed of students who have qualified for the GATE Program and will explore ways to differentiate the lessons to accommodate the needs of the gifted learner.  A limited number of after school classes will be offered throughout the school year for grades 3-8th.  A schedule of these classes is available each year and participation is optional.  Other special events may be available throughout the year. Parents will be informed through informational letters.  It is important that parents keep the GATE Coordinator updated to address/phone number changes. 

The Qualifying Process 

New GATE Students:  Each fall, Corning Union Elementary School District opens the enrollment to the Gifted and Talented Education Program.  Once  students have qualified for GATE, they do need to requalify.  In spring, before the summer recess begins, teachers are as asked to submit names of students that they feel exhibit strengths that might qualify as gifted.   Again in the fall, after school resumes, teachers are asked to submit new names of students in an effort to locate our gifted population.  An announcement is placed in the Corning Observer and in the District Newsletter that is sent home with all students, informing parents of the open enrollment period and inviting them to recommend their children for the program.  Students are sent a letter inviting them to participate in the nomination process.  Each year approximately 100-120 students are asked to participate. 

Other qualifications:  Students who have demonstrated ability in the areas of music, art, leadership, and performing arts may also be recommended to the GATE Program.  These students may qualify differently through an assessment team comprised of teachers, parents, and administrators who will review students' performance in these areas. 

Students transferring from other districts and were in their GATE program, automatically become part of our GATE Program.  Parents need to inform Corning Union Elementary School District of their child's participation in the previous district's GATE Program.  Please contact the GATE coordinator to ensure the inclusion of your child.

Testing and Scoring:  The testing is made up of two tests.  The Otis-Lennon School Abilities Test (OLSAT) and the Nagleri Non-Verbal Assessment Test (NNAT).   The highest score earned from either test will be used to qualify.  The scores are converted to points earned (9- 17 points) on a matrix (score sheet).  The scores are weighted with more points going to higher scores.  A student must earn at least 9 points from these tests to continue with the qualifying.  Points are also earned from CAT-6 scores (5-9 points); Ethnicity/Socio economic data (1-4 points); and parent/teacher recommendations (1-2 points).  A minimum of 17 points are required.  This matrix was created by advisory committee comprised of parents, teachers, and administrators.

For more information on the tests used click on the links provided below.

 

Advisory Gifted and Talented Education (A.G.A.T.E.)

Parent/teacher involvement is what keeps the GATE Program dynamic.   Advisory meetings for the 07-08 school years will be held at Olive View School from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on 9/13/07, and 1/10/08.  [The 5/08/08 meeting was cancelled.]  Parents and staff are invited to attend. These meetings offer opportunities to provide suggestions for improvement, sharing and discussing the gifted child, informational regarding opportunities outside the school for parent/student participation.  The advisory meeting will also create the survey to be completed by parents and students used in evaluation of the GATE Program. Contact the GATE Coordinator for more information.  

GATE Instruction

Differentiated Instruction:  The primary thrust of the GATE Program is to provide enrichment in the students' regular school day.  This is best completed through differentiated instruction.  Rather than isolate gifted students to some special classroom, students are much more contented with participation with their peers.  Teachers can create lessons for their classes, but may vary the experience for the gifted learner. For example: instead of having a student read the core book Julie and the Wolves for the 3rd time, this student may do a research paper on wolves and share the information to offer enrichment for the entire class.  A gifted student is not given more work, but rather different work.  Their learning may have different expectations.  They may share demonstrations or use their talents in creative ways in order to challenge themselves.

After School Enrichment Units:  These units will vary from year to year.  The units are based on student interest and teacher participation.  Students are not required to attend after school sessions in order to be qualified for GATE.  Students may attend the units of their choice. 

 

  Additional Links

 

California Association of the Gifted

California Department of Education -Gifted Education

Otis-Lennon School Abilities Test

Nagleri Non-Verbal Abilities Test

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Websites:
Maywood  (6-8)
        Olive View  (K-5)       Woodson (K-5)        Rancho Tehama  (K-4)        West Street (K-2)  
 

 

 

 

 

Gifted and Talented Education (G.A.T.E.) Program, CUESD

Dr. Bouchard, G.A.T.E. Coordinator, CUESD

 

 

 

 

 

Webmaster:  Michael P. Garofalo, Technology and Media Services Supervisor, CUESD
Information last sent to Mike Garofalo and updated on March 17, 2009