Resident School GATE Program   

Most of the District's identified gifted students participate in programs at the local neighborhood school. There are several options available that are designed to provide a differentiated curriculum so that students attain optimal levels of learning. A local school program must comply with a more rigorous standard providing differentiation as an integral part of the regular school day. The first step in providing differentiated curriculum is to cluster gifted students identified in the Intellectual Ability, High Achievement Ability, Specific Academic Ability, Creative Ability and Leadership Ability categories or verified based on critical thinking/achievement. At the elementary level, gifted students should be clustered in groups of 5-8 or more, and at the secondary level, 15-25 gifted students should be placed together on core academic courses. Honors and AP courses may be an appropriate placement for gifted secondary students.

Components

Curriculum experiences for gifted learners are planned, implemented, and evaluated in order to maximize student potential.

Goals and objectives are determined at the local school by administrators, teachers, parents, and students by means of needs assessments.

Differentiation of the core curriculum through various means, including:

• flexible groupings
• acceleration of content
• independent study, tiered assignments
• interest centers, learning centers
• Compacting in student's area of strength via mentorship, adjusting questions, honors coursework, Advanced Placement courses, and use of above-grade-level resources

Application of the "non-negotiables" of gifted instruction:

• Depth
• Complexity
• Novelty
• Acceleration