GATE Program Eligibility Parent Information Meeting Presented by SGUSD Special Projects Gifted and Talented Education Education

Introductions Jennifer Vargas GATE Coordinator and Elementary Instructional Coach Winnie Wang Community Liaison (Chinese) 中文 Zhōngwén Yolanda Palom Community Liaison (Spanish) Español Introductions

AGENDA SGUSD GATE Eligibility Criteria Overview of Otis Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT8) Overview of Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT2) Testing Tips Questions

Eligibility Criteria Standardized assessments used to more accurately identify students in underrepresented populations and students previously overlooked in the referral process. OLSAT8 and NNAT2 scores serves as the initial identification tool for GATE qualification of incoming 4th graders (Test administered in May of 3rd Grade.) CAASPP scores will be used as an additional identification tool.

GATE Identification Categories SGUSD defines a gifted and talented student as one who exhibits academic excellence or the capacity for academic excellence far beyond that of their chronological peers in one or more of the following categories: · High Academic Ability · High Achievement · Specific Academic Ability

Culturally Neutral Eligibility The district is committed to providing a culturally neutral identification process Goal: Unbiased designation regardless of the students’ primary language and socioeconomic background.

Culturally Neutral Eligibility Qualifying percentiles are adjusted and in accordance with designations for student subgroups used by surrounding districts. Subgroups include English Language Learners, Foster Youth, children of military personnel, and students within the federally defined poverty level.

Eligibility Thresholds for Qualification Test Grade Level Administered High Achievement Qualifying scores on OLSAT8 in either Verbal or Nonverbal High Academic Qualifying CAASPP Scores in both Math & ELA Specific Academic Qualifying CAASPP Scores for 2 consecutive years in either Math or ELA w/same content area Qualifying % Range Qualifying % Range: Subgroups OLSAT8: Verbal 3rd Grade only X 95-99th% 90-99th% OLSAT8: Math NNAT2 Nonverbal CAASPP: ELA 3rd-7th grade CAASPP: Math

Assessments for Initial Identification: 3rd Grade Students The NNAT2 will be administered to English Language Learners: ELPAC Levels 1-4. The OLSAT8 will be administered to English Only Learners and Reclassified English Language Learners (RFEP, IFEP)

Use of CAASPP Assessments for Eligibility 3rd grade students may also qualify under the “High Academic” category through CAASPP. CAASPP scores will be reviewed annually by the SGUSD GATE Office for qualifying scores under the “High Academic” and “Specific Academic Ability” categories for students in grades 4-8.

“Opt Out” Parents of all 3rd grade students will be notified of the assessment and qualification process annually. Families may choose to “Opt Out” of the OLSAT8 or NNAT2 assessment and qualification process. Send in “Request to NOT Participate” Form.

Otis Lennon School Ability Test: OLSAT8 The OLSAT8 is a multiple choice test commonly used in the U.S. to identify gifted children. Comprised of both verbal and non-verbal questions OLSAT8 used specifically to measure abilities related to success in school, testing critical thinking and reasoning skills. The online assessment is timed and takes approximately 45-75 minutes to administer.

Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test: NNAT2 The NNAT2 is a nonverbal standardized test of general ability commonly used to identify gifted children. Considered culturally neutral; contains minimal use of language and directions; does not require reading, writing, or speaking. Uses abstract shapes and designs to allow for unbiased scoring regardless of a child’s primary language, education, and socioeconomic background. The online assessment is timed and takes approximately 30 minutes to administer.

Sample Questions NNAT2 Sample NNAT2 Practice OLSAT8 Practice Link for NNAT YouTube Video Free OLSAT Practice Link

Who will be tested? All 3rd grade students including students with disabilities and English Language Learners The tests will be administered by the classroom teacher.

No Accommodations or Modifications The following accommodations invalidate OLSAT8 and NNAT2 test results and will not be considered for gifted identification: Any modification to the content of the assessment Directions read more than once Extended testing time

Students Exempted from Testing Students who take the CAPA Students whose parents have requested non-participation

Parent Letter All parents of 3rd grade students received an Informational Letter from your child’s school site about the OLSAT8 and NNAT2. NOTE: Sign and return the Non-Participation letter ONLY if you do NOT want your child to participate in GATE testing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Are the OLSAT8 and NNAT2 IQ tests? A. No. They are Achievement Tests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What does the OLSAT8 measure? A. It measures verbal and quantitative reasoning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What does the NNAT2 measure? A. It measures nonverbal reasoning and general problem solving abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q. If my child is identified in any of the categories, is she/he re-assessed every year? No. Once identified as GATE, the student remains in the program for the duration of enrollment at SGUSD. GATE services provided in 4th-8th grades.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q. What are the test administration dates? The Testing Window is May 1st-17th. Your student’s teacher will let you know the schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q. When will parents receive the results? OLSAT8 & NNAT2 scores will be sent with the student report card in June. CAASPP scores will be mailed in September. Letters to qualified GATE students will be mailed in September.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q. We have the report. Where is the qualifying score? Check the Age-Based Percentile Scores (Age PR-S) in the top left of the student report. (Next slide.)

GATE Qualifying Scores: OLSAT8

GATE Qualifying Scores: NNAT2

Eligibility Thresholds for Qualification Test Grade Level Administered High Achievement Qualifying scores on OLSAT8 in either Verbal or Nonverbal High Academic Qualifying CAASPP Scores in both Math & ELA Specific Academic Qualifying CAASPP Scores for 2 consecutive years in either Math or ELA w/same content area Qualifying % Range Qualifying % Range: Subgroups OLSAT8: Verbal 3rd Grade only X 95-99th% 90-99th% OLSAT8: Math NNAT2 Nonverbal CAASPP: ELA 3rd-7th grade CAASPP: Math

How to Prepare Your Child for Testing Rest! Get a good night’s sleep the night before testing. Eat! Have a good breakfast and stay hydrated. Relax! Don’t over-emphasize the importance of the test. Take a deep breath! Avoid test anxiety. “Do your best, forget the rest!” Listen and follow all directions. Don’t spend too much time on one question. These tests are timed. Use the process of elimination.

What YOU Can Do... Discuss! Help your child understand that the test gives them a chance to show what they know and how their teacher can best help them learn. Support! Make sure your child knows that the tests will give information and will not be used as a report card grade or keep them from moving on to the next grade. Relax! Reassure your child. Students who are calm and sure of themselves do better.

Resources! OLSAT AND NNAT Practice Booklet Our SGUSD Website!

Questions? Thank you for your time! Feel free to contact the GATE Office. Thank you for your time! Questions?