|
How may students qualify for GATE certification?
One pathway for GATE certification is meeting the GATE Automatic Criteria. Students whose CAT6 scores are in the 95%ile or above in either Total Reading, Total Math, or Total Language for two consecutive years in the same content area are automatically certified as GATE. The GATE Office reviews the CAT6 scores in the fall to determine which students qualify. Parents and the principals are notified when students are eligible for automatic GATE certification.
The second pathway is through the new GATE Identification Process. The District is currently testing all third grade students using the Raven's Progressive Matrices. A student scoring in the 95%ile or above is certified. In addition, teachers, administrators, and parents may refer students in grades 4 through 12 for GATE assessment. The GATE referral must be presented and discussed at the School Study Team (SST). The site administrator must approve the referral. The approved referral is forwarded to the District GATE Office along with a parent permission to test form. Teachers must complete a Slocumb/Payne Teacher Perception Inventory for each student referred. Every student with an approved GATE referral will be tested with the Raven's Progressive Matrices. Other sources used to determine eligibility may include the following: CAT 6 scores, SABE scores, Student report card grades, Student Portfolios, Student Interviews, and/or Parent Interviews
Appeals Process
If a student does not meet certification requirements on the CAT6 or the Raven's Progressive Matrices but receives a percentile score between 90 and 94 on the Ravens, they have the option of waiting one calendar year to be retested with the Raven's Progressive Matrices or, at their own expense, to be tested by an independent psychologist using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. This Wechsler score will be considered in combination with other factors to determine eligibility.
The appeals process meets the equity requirements of the CCR and the requirements set by the State of California in their approval of our GATE application which requires us to improve the ethnic balance of our GATE Program.
My child is GATE certified and the school does not have a GATE Program. Is the school required to provide a program for my child?
The District receives State GATE funds and must serve all identified students unless the parent or student declines participation. Assembly Bill (AB) 2313 requires that services for gifted and talented students be planned and organized as integrated differentiated learning experiences within the regular school day. Students are to be provided differentiated core (math, language arts, science, and social science) curriculum instruction at their ability level by a teacher trained in differentiated instructional strategies.
My child is not GATE certified but is high achieving. Does my child receive any special instructional services?
With the passage of AB 2313 GATE certified and high achieving students are to receive differentiated core curriculum instruction at their ability level by a teacher trained in differentiated instructional strategies.
Must the District identify and serve students in kindergarten and primary grades?
AB 2313 requires districts to serve students in all grades. It is not necessary to identify kindergarten and primary students formally. The District is required to provide teachers with the means to recognize gifted children using the strategies and resources to meet their educational needs. This can be done even if formal identification does not take place until later.
Must GATE funds only be used for GATE students?
There is no requirement that GATE purchases be used only for GATE students. GATE money should purchase supplementary, above grade level items, which may be used by all students. These materials should supplement the core curriculum.
Must GATE funding be distributed to schools based on the number of identified GATE students at that school?
No. The District may allocate funds in this way but is not required to do so. GATE funds should be distributed according to the needs of students and according to the District's written GATE Plan.
Questions and Answers: Secondary Advanced Core Classes
Why is the District providing advanced core curriculum classes for secondary GATE/High Achieving students?
The GATE portion of the CCR manual indicates the following:
I--GATE1 The quality of programs meets the specific needs and requirements of gifted and talented pupils as specified in EC 52200(c). Academic components shall be included in all program offerings. (5 CCR3831 {g})
Students receive an appropriately differentiated curriculum, which may be offered through extended learning activities, part-time grouping or clustering, independent study, or acceleration throughout the school day.
Challenging opportunities are available for pupils whose demonstrated abilities exceed the content of the differentiated curriculum.
II--GATE2 The district GATE program provides a differentiated curriculum and varied learning opportunities and environments, based on the assessed needs of its identified pupils, that extend pupils' abilities, sensitivities, judgment, thinking skills, and self-concepts. (EC 52200{c}; 5 CCR 3831 {j})
Options are being implemented as described in the GATE or school site plan. Students' needs form the basis for the program planning. Teaching strategies are appropriate for meeting the identified, unique needs of gifted students. The common core curriculum is expanded to accelerate pacing and add levels of complexity, depth, and novelty.
Students with above-grade-level achievement in reading and mathematics are provided with challenging assignments as evidenced in lesson plans.
IV--GATE4 The school district has clearly defined requisite competencies for all teachers, including the ability to provide differentiated learning opportunities for GATE students. The district is implementing a professional development plan for all teachers based on an assessment of teachers' needs pertaining to GATE students. (EC 52212 {a1}; 5 CCR 3830{j}{7})
Teachers use staff development opportunities to improve instruction for GATE students.
The recent CCR State Validation Review findings indicate that the District is noncompliant in II--GATE2. The CDE GATE consultant indicated in the Report of Findings, "At the sites visited there is inconsistent evidence that students with above grade level achievement are provided with challenging assignments. Differentiation strategies are used infrequently." The CDE GATE consultant commended the District for developing a policy that all secondary schools offer advanced core instruction beginning in the Fall, 2002. The commendation also indicated, "This will provide advanced opportunities for students in 9th and 10th grade thus creating more opportunities for students." Providing advanced core classes is the District's attempt to provide students with appropriate instruction and meet the intent of the law
|
