ANAHEIM CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Gifted and Talented Education Welcome to GATE Parent Orientation

68 GATE classes plus 14 GATE cluster classes located at 24 schools Currently---- 68 GATE classes plus 14 GATE cluster classes located at 24 schools

All single track schools will have a GATE program August through June All year round schools will begin in July and will have GATE classes on Track B with off track time in September, January, and May

GATE Self Contained Classrooms GATE CLASSES… Follow the normal school day schedule Are all day, 5 days per week Are formed based on the number who respond “yes” to the program

GATE Class Placement Students identified as meeting the district criteria are invited to participate Equal opportunity to be identified GATE classes are in grades 3-6 at selected schools and K-2, not formally identified, are served within the regular classroom

Goals and Objectives The GATE Program provides a differentiated curriculum that allows students to: Develop higher level thinking skills Think and reason critically and effectively Explore complex and abstract concepts

Extend beyond the core curriculum Goals and Objectives Help students reach a level of academic achievement Expand and apply knowledge, creativity, and technology skills Extend beyond the core curriculum Foster the appreciation for classical/cultural experiences Become enriched in areas of special interest and content

Goals and Objectives Gain leadership skills that reflect: - effective communication - interpersonal skills - sensitivity toward others/respect - teamwork Develop computer and technology awareness

Goals and Objectives Attain the skills necessary for lifelong success, including: - working with others - organizational ability - ability to present ideas convincingly - respect for individual differences and opinions of others - conflict resolution skills

Meeting Student Needs Assess student abilities, interests, learning preferences, and needs Establish individual goals Monitor and provide support for at-risk gifted students GATE Education Plan development

Eligibility in Anaheim City School District Intellectually gifted High achievement

Identification Process Multiple Measures including: Teacher input Parent input Assessment School history

Identification Process Screening Process: Selected schools tested all 2nd graders and referred 3rd through 5th grade students Children may qualify at the 95th percentile or above Those demonstrating GATE potential were given a second test – many qualified The GATE Committee qualified others as High Achievers

Important Points Gifted children are children first and gifted second Gifted children are not necessarily gifted in all areas

Core Curriculum Common knowledge and skills to be learned by all students at a particular grade level as determined by school district GATE classrooms begin with core and differentiate curriculum to meet individual needs

A Differentiated Curriculum Depth Challenging learners by enabling them to venture further, deeper, and more elaborately into the area of study Complexity Complexity is the extension of the core curriculum through an interdisciplinary study of issues, problems, or themes.

A Differentiated Curriculum Novelty Gaining a personal understanding of the area under study; constructing meaning of knowledge in an individualized manner.

A Differentiated Curriculum Acceleration or Pacing Altering the pace of learning; moving through the core curriculum more quickly Enrichment Opportunities to extend learning experiences

What makes the GATE program different? Basics covered in less time Core curriculum is differentiated through depth and complexity Teaching through student interest, independent studies Higher level thinking skills Guest speakers Creative projects Contest participation Cooperative problem solving

What makes the GATE Program Different? Certification Program for Teachers Identification Social and Emotional Needs of the Gifted Student The Diverse Gifted Student Differentiation Advanced Differentiation

GATE Homework GATE classes are to adhere to ACSD policy: 3rd Grade – 30 to 40 minutes 4th through 6th grades – 40 to 60 minutes

GATE TIMELINE FOR 2011-2012 January GATE Orientation Meetings January 20 Permission to Place forms due End of March Director of Special Services and Principals determine pupil assignments End of April Letters mailed to parents with GATE school assignments July Tracks A, B and C begin the school year August Single track schools begin, Track D begins

Parent Involvement “Parents helping Parents” GATE Council GATE Parent Informal Discussions CAG – California Association of the Gifted www.CAGifted.org

Anaheim City School District GATE Program Website www.acsd.k12.ca.us Click on Education Click on Special Education Click on GATE for... Information about the GATE program Shawnna Derache 714-517-7525 X4098 Thank you for attending the Parent Orientation Meeting!