The purpose of the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program is to develop each student's abilities to their potential through differentiated instruction, acceleration, curriculum compacting, tiered assignments, learning centers, challenging tasks, independent projects and enrichment. Formal identification begins with the referral process by staff or parents at the end of third grade. Students are screened using multiple criteria: test scores, grades, work samples, and a cognitive abilities test. Parents from each site are represented on the District GATE Parent Advisory Committee.
At Yerba Buena, teachers and the GATE Coordinator will continue to construct lessons and units to apply depth, complexity, acceleration, and novelty through: enrichment projects, cooperative learning groups, flexible grouping for activities, computer programs, challenge packets, open-ended writing units and reading programs.
Yerba Buena will continue its program of differentiation of the curriculum in the core subjects of English Language Arts and Mathematics. An example of differentiation of curriculum we offer is that "challenges in math" are available for each unit.
YB's GATE Coordinator will provide ongoing guidance and monthly lesson plan ideas to the fourth and fifth grade teachers.
GATE activities have been planned around a technology unit. Power Point, Pod cast and i-Movie will be used to present information on a given topic. All participants will select a subject that reflects each student's perception or thoughts on how to make the world a better place. Some students may concentrate on health issues, education, or poverty. They will research information on the Internet, interview authorities on the subject and organize the information into an i-Movie or Power Point presentation. A special even is planned for the Spring where all student work will be viewed.
Professional Development: A team of teachers will attend a workshop in Differentiated Instruction. They will, in turn, share this information with colleagues.
Yerba Buena's GATE Coordinator is 5th grade teacher Mrs. Fleishman.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 18 September 2008 )
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