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The Los Altos School District recognizes that
each individual is unique, and that while for most pupils the conventional
school program is appropriate, a substantial number of individuals
have exceptional abilities which should be served. Therefore, the
administration has implemented regulations and procedures which
identify individuals with exceptional abilities and talented under-achieving
pupils.
The Los Altos School District identifies third through
eighth graders for GATE. The Administration also identifies district
children as STAR test results return to us. Students may be identified
for GATE as early as May of the second grade using any of the three
procedures listed below. Capable children in grades K-2 receive
advanced curriculum and grouping structures within the homeroom
setting.
- Standardized Achievement Test Scores –
A student must score in the top range of the Advanced performance
level in reading and math to qualify for the GATE program on the
basis of standardized tests of achievement. Standardized achievement
tests include the CAT/6 and California Standards Test.
- Specific Academic Ability – A student
has a specific superior academic ability in a particular area,
but has not been qualified by the procedure above. This child
can only be admitted to GATE by the Student Study Team. In almost
all cases, this category includes children with highly superior
potential from varying linguistic, economic, cultural or social
backgrounds, and children new to the school district*.
- Intelligence Test – If a student above
the age or 7 has been given an individually administrated test
of intelligence and scores at or above IQ 140 then the student
is considered eligible for the GATE program. The test must be
administrated by a qualified psychologist.
*Each site has GATE Assessment Forms to use for
the Specific Academic Ability area.
GATE program services differentiate from the regular school
program and meet the special academic, social, and leadership needs
of identified children. The activities discussed below are designed
as “qualitatively different” to address and meet the
needs of GATE students.
Option: In-class advanced
literature study based on student assessment and student interest.
The district provides more than 10 class sets of CORE literature
titles per grade level to meet the varied decoding, comprehension,
and interest needs of students.
Activities: Literary analysis, “into-through-beyond”
activities, and projects featured. Extensive use of questioning,
portfolio writing, research, and student creation.
Objective: Enrich the regular classroom
language arts program by strengthening the literature stand.
Timeline/Duration: Continuous over the
course of the school year.
Option: In-class study of science using journals
and a learning cycles mode; applying this knowledge through construction
of science projects (independent learning and research).
Activities: Study of grade level earth,
physical, and life science via a questioning model that asks students
to ENGAGE, EXPLORE, EXPLAIN, and ELABORATE. Activities tied to these
steps (list what you know; make predictions; perform experiments;
speak, write, draw clearly; find out more about a topics and generate
new questions) perfected and eventually demonstrated through the
completion of a project (optional). The project may be entered in
the school’s yearly science fair.
Objective: Enrich the classroom science
program through use of a powerful learning model, with student application
via projects as an option.
Duration: Continuous – most school
science fairs take place in the spring.
Option: Advanced math placement for all qualified
children.
Activities: K-6 schools have a common
math hour allowing all children to move at their own pace. The district
provides an additional grade 6 GATE math specialist to teach pre-algebra
to qualified students. This allows qualified students to complete
Advanced Algebra by the conclusion of grade 8 at Blach and Egan
intermediate.
Objectives: Implement continuous progress
in mathematics for all district children, with emphasis on accelerated
math programs for students meeting district criteria.
Timeline/Duration: This is a full year
math program.
Option: Lunch hour and after-school contests
and clubs for qualified students.
Activities: Continental Math League and/or
Math Olympiad (grades 4-6), Math Counts Competition (grades 7-8),
National Geography Bee (grades 3-8), Robotics Club (grades 7-8),
Chess Club (grades 3-8).
Objective: To provide problem solving
and leadership situations for interested/qualified children through
educational contests, teamwork and competition.
Timeline/Duration: October-April of each
school year.
Option: Advanced after-school choice classes
for qualified GATE students, grades 3-5 (some sixth graders included).
Objective: To provide after-school qualitatively
different enrichment classes at grades 3-5 for qualified GATE students.
The after-school program will emphasize critical thinking, cooperative
studies, leadership, and preparation for advanced placement or contests.
Timeline/Duration: October through May.
Option: Using an informal educational plan,
place qualified GATE seventh and eighth graders in accelerated/honors
classes, meaningful electives, and enriching “choice”
activities.
Activities: Provide qualified students
with honors math and/or advanced English assignments. Make the following
electives available to GATE students: foreign language (Spanish,
French), Student Leadership, Journalism, Theater, Art Enrichment,
Music, and Advanced Technology. Provide noon speakers, Johns Hopkins
Academic Advancement for Youth Identification, mock trials, and
other “choice” programs for identified students.
Objective: Continue to provide placement
in accelerated CORE classes, meaningful and enriching electives,
and qualify “choice” activities which help children
become sensitive to their environment and other people.
Timeline/Duration: Continuous over the
course of the school year.
The Consolidated Program Committee formally evaluated the
efficacy of GATE services in four assessment areas:
- Assessment of GATE instructional content
in relation to identified student needs
- Assessment of staff development activities
- Assessment of GATE student growth using formal
and informal evaluation instruments (including student data)
- Assessment of GATE program administration
In addition, each school’s site council
evaluates the effectiveness of specific educational programs (categorical
programs) for each student population, including GATE.
District “multiple measure” assessment
goals for GATE pupils are:
- 85% of GATE students will score at level
5 or 6 on the district writing test for their grade level. .
- 90% of GATE students will score above the
95th percentile on the STAR test in mathematics.
- 90% of GATE students at each grade level
will score high enough in the district’s math indices to
qualify for advanced math placement.
(Please also note your school’s weekly
newsletter, the District’s “School and Community News” communication
page, and the school’s yearly School Accountability Report
Card (SARC)).
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