What is GATE?

The goal of the GATE program is to provide high quality instruction, acceleration, and differentiated curriculum for students who are identified as having abilities and/or potential for high performance.

How are students identified as GATE?

The Elk Grove Unified School District GATE identification process is based on multiple criteria which consider measures of academic achievement and potential. It is designed to provide and equitable basis for entry into the GATE program for all students.

Based on the research literature, best practices from the field, and input from stakeholders in EGUSD, the following measures were selected for inclusion into the GATE Identification Matrix:

• California Standards Test scores
• Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test scores
• Grade point average
• Equity factor
• Accelerated classroom performance
• Creative ability

GATE Referral Forms are completed by your school site GATE Coordinator. GATE Referral Forms will not be accepted by the Elk Grove Unified School District Gifted and Talented Education Program unless complete with all signatures and qualifying documentation. Parent and site administrator signatures are required. Transfer students' evidence from other school district GATE Programs are accepted by Elk Grove Unified School District criteria.

The following GATE services are provided at various school sites in accordance with the GATE Master Plan:

• Differentiated instruction, at all elementary schools.
• Honors classes in most content areas, grades 7 - 12.
• Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors classes - high school.

Please contact your site for specific information about GATE services at your child’s school.

Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Testing (NNAT) for 2012-2013 Program Year:

Testing information for the 2012-2013 school year is available at your school site.

What is the GATE Advisory Committee?

Each school designates two representatives, a parent and an educator, to the district level GATE Advisory Committee. This group meets regularly throughout the year to review GATE issues and assist with projects and activities. All parents are welcome to attend.

Officers:

Due to lack of funding we do not currently have a committee.

GATE Parent Advisory Committee Meetings:

Due to lack of funding we do not currently have a committee.

GATE Master Plan

GATE LEGISLATION

On January 1, 2001, Assembly Bill 2313, Gifted and Talented Pupils, became law and changed some of the existing regulations for GATE programs throughout the state – the first changes in 20 years. These are the highlights of the changes that affect Elk Grove Unified:

• Apportionment of funds will now be a per-pupil amount based on average daily attendance rather than on the number of participating pupils.
  
• There is no longer the 200 minute per week requirement for gifted and talented programs – rather, the new law requires that programs be "planned and organized as an integrated differentiated learning experience within the regular school day, and augmented with other differentiated activities related to the core curriculum."
  
• The previous requirement that no GATE funds be used for field trip costs is no longer in the law. This means that waivers to the State Board of Education do not need to be submitted – as long as the travel is within the state of California. If any district funds are used for out of state travel, it is necessary to utilize the General Waiver process that needs approval of the Board of Education.