G.A.T.E. – GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Kenter Canyon takes pride in the number of students it identifies for G.A.T.E. G.A.T.E. requires differentiation of regular core curriculum with enrichment and an accelerated program.  Kenter’s Charter provides an opportunity for enrichment and acceleration for all students as needed to ensure individual needs are challenged. The following information is provided to help parents and students with a few clarifications about GATE.

WHAT ARE THE CATEGORIES for GATE?

1. HIGH ACHIEVEMENT - 3rd Grade and above are eligible in this category; requires PROFICIENT levels on standardized tests and report cards for three consecutive years in BOTH Language Arts and Math.
2. SPECIFIC ACADEMIC ABILITY - 4th grade and above are eligible for identification in this category; requires three consecutive years of PROFICIENT levels on standardized tests and report cards in either Language Arts or Math.
3. INTELLECTUAL - 2nd through 5th grade are eligible for identification in this category; requires markedly advanced levels of performance on standardized tests and progress reports with demonstration of astute intelligence in relation to their peers; eligibility is determined by a District Psychologist using the *Raven's Progressive Matrix”.  Students are to score between 95.0% and 98.9%.  If a student scores 99.9% then the student is considered in a sub-category referred to as Highly Intellectual.
4. TALENTED – 3rd grade and above are eligible for identification in this category;   Talented Education Programs include Visual Art, Music, Theatre, or Dance.  Students are to demonstrate exceptional talent in one of these arts areas.  A district assessment is done by a specialist for each specific arts area.

How can my child be IDENTIFIED?

1. School Recommendation:  Kenter’s annual standardized test results are reviewed by the school’s GATE Coordinator to determine which students are eligible based on proficiency levels of progress reports and standardized test results.  School recommendations are frequently used for identification in High Achievement candidates as well as Specific Academic Ability candidates. 
2. Teacher Recommendation:  Teachers reviewed standardized test results as well as progress reports to determine eligible students based on data.  This category is frequently used for students who are applying for Intellectual Ability or Talented categories.
3. Parent Recommendation:  Parents have the right to request an application for any of the categories as long as the student meets the required grade level criteria.   Parents may submit copies of previous report cards, test results, and work samples when any of the other items are missing.  Parent recommendations are common for students entering Kenter from out of state or country.

What if I believe my child is GIFTED?

Talk to your child’s teacher about the appropriate category for your child. You can discuss options at the parent/teacher conferences.  Also, look at your child's previous report cards and test scores.  Does your child seem to meet the criteria?  Is your child markedly advanced in relation to their peers?  Does your child think in ways that are unusual or exceptional?  

If my child is gifted, what can I do NOW?

READING is always KEY! Visit museums!  Participant in after-school and off-campus enrichment experiences!  Encourage the teacher to offer “extension projects” for your child.

Can I find out more about the Raven assessment used by LAUSD Psychological Services for measuring cognitive ability of students who are applying for GATE in the Highly Intellectual Ability category?

There are sample questions and information on-line that helps one see the types of analytical and logical thinking required for the Highly Intellectual Ability assessment used by LAUSD.  Here is a sample question similar to a question from a previously administered Raven test:

Where can I receive information regarding the TALENTED EDUCATION PROGRAM part of GATE?

Although the overall program is commonly referred as GATE, it is actually two separate programs:  Gifted AND Talented.  If a student is identified as TALENTED, the extended program is not part of the home school’s curriculum.  The LAUSD Talented Program is scheduled on Saturdays at Cal State LA campus.

For the Talented category, students are identified through a process that includes an interview and audition.  For example, the interview portion for visual arts will seek an applicant’s knowledge about "elements of art," "periods of art", characteristics of artists, etc.   The interview is similar for the other art areas.  During the audition, the student would be given specific tasks to demonstrate their exceptional talent in the arts field of their choice. 

If my child is identified as Talented, will he/she be placed in a Middle School Academic Honors Program?

No.  The Gifted portion of GATE helps the middle school with placement in Honors or Highly Intellectual classes.  The Talented program continues at Cal State-LA and is not part of a student’s academic curriculum at his or her home school. 

However, it is likely that a student in the Talented Program for voice would become a participant in a school’s “honors chorus”---but not necessarily in a school’s Mathematics Honors class.

Where can I get more information about G.A.T.E.?

Kenter Canyon teachers and administration are well versed in GATE identification and should be a first contact regarding prospective GATE students.  Additionally, enter Canyon’s GATE Coordinator has information for parents regarding enrichment activities, recommended readings, etc.   The GATE Coordinator is Ms. Karan in Room 203.  Her email address is provided in the Kenter directory or interested parents can leave her a note in her mailbox in the Main Office.