Gifted and Talented Education Neil Cummins School Larkspur School District

“The term gifted and talented student means children who give evidence of higher performance capability in such areas as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who require services or activities not ordinarily provided by the schools in order to develop such capabilities fully.” –The Javits Act (1988) Larkspur School District Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Parent Handbook What is GATE?

The Goal of the GATE program is to provide a curriculum and environment (as recommended by Education Code 52200(c)) which stresses:  Appropriate differentiated, accelerated, or condensed curriculum opportunities commensurate with abilities and individual talents.  Original approaches to task completion or alternative learning environments.  Developing self-generating problem-solving strategies, higher- level thinking skills, and independent study habits.  Supporting the social and emotional needs of gifted students in order to develop realistic, healthy self-concepts.  Elements that create positive attitudes toward learning and becoming life-long learners.  Developing sensitivity and responsibility to others as well as constructive ethical standards. Larkspur School District Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Parent Handbook

The District supports these goals with a comprehensive state approved plan that includes the following areas as part of its model:  Eligibility and Identification  Differentiated Curriculum and Instruction  Social and Emotional Development  Parent and Community Involvement  Staff Professional Development Larkspur School District Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Parent Handbook

GATE Identification Multiple measures are used to identify gifted and talented students with exceptional capabilities in one or more of the following categories: Intellectual Achievement Specific Academic Achievement in Reading, Writing, Math or Science Creativity Leadership Visual and Performing Arts* (not measured by standardized tests.)

What are Multiple Measures ? Achievement testing/academic performance data Cognitive Ability testing data Teacher Recommendation Parent Recommendation Referrals from specialists in the areas of Visual and Performing Arts or Leadership Student portfolios or work samples Other relevant data

GATE Testing Process and Timeline In the Spring 1. 2nd through 4th grade academic achievement testing (STAR/CST) occurs in April/May of each school year measuring academic performance in English Language Arts and Mathematics. 2. 2nd Grade students are identified using the GATES rating scales. 3. 3rd grade students are assessed for cognitive achievement using a standardized test which measures verbal, quantitative and nonverbal reasoning abilities, and/or divergent thinking abilities. 4. New students are tested when appropriate.

GATE Testing Process and Timeline In the Fall GATE Coordinator compiles a list of students who have scored in the highest stanine of cognitive achievement based upon a standardized cognitive abilities tests and at the Advanced level in both English Language Arts and Mathematics on the California Standards Tests. Additional data from CAT/6 academic achievement tests is also used for GATE qualification..

GATE Eligibility Teachers receive test results from Spring testing and may recommend students they feel are GATE candidates. Parents receive test results from Spring testing and may recommend their child as a GATE candidate Upon teacher or parent recommendation, a student is considered a GATE Candidate and referred to the GATE Coordinator and the Student Study Team for a final determination of eligibility.

GATE Eligibility The Student Study Team (SST) consists of the Vice Principal/GATE Administrator GATE Coordinator School Psychologist School Counselor Resource Specialist And other specialists who work with students in specialized capacities.

GATE Eligibility and Determination The Student Study Team will review the following data and make a determination of GATE participation: Achievement testing/academic performance data Cognitive Ability testing data Teacher Recommendation Parent Recommendation Referrals from specialists in the areas of Visual and Performing Arts or Leadership Student portfolios or work samples Other relevant data

GATE - Final Determination Parents will receive a letter of determination from the Student Study Team indicating that their child has meet the eligibility requirements for the classification of Gifted and Talented. For each GATE student, the GATE Coordinator, General Education Teacher(s) and Parents will develop an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) which addresses the needs of the student, outlines the type of instructional interventions and services to be provided, and creates goals for the student in his or her area of giftedness.

GATE Program Service Delivery Options 1. Differentiated Instruction in the General Education Classroom is provided to all GATE students. 2. Supplementary Enrichment Programs offered before, during and after school as available throughout the school year. –Math Olympiad (Problem Solving/Mathematics) –Jr. Great Books (Literature/Inquiry Learning) –GATE Technology (Computers/Technology) –GATE Science Activities/Events –Odyssey of the Mind (Problem Solving)

Parent Involvement Parents participate in the process of identifying students for GATE programs. Parents are part of the District Advisory Committee which oversees the GATE program. Parents participate in the evaluation of the GATE programs at each school site as part of the a site GATE committee consisting of teachers, parents, GATE Coordinator, GATE administrator, and School Psychologist. Parents participate in GATE activities and events, and have previously directed the Odyssey of the Mind program for GATE students.

Professional Development The Larkspur School District is developing professional development opportunities for teachers and staff. District in-service in Differentiated Instruction for the General Education staff. Staff discussions on Learning Styles and Social and Emotional Development in gifted and talented students. Professional Learning Communities (a country-wide initiative) are being developed through the Marin County Office of Education.

Program Evaluation Evaluation of the GATE program will occur annually and be based upon written evaluations and questionnaires from: Students Teachers Parents The GATE Coordinator will compile a review of the GATE program based upon these evaluations and present the findings to the DAC committee for review.