Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
AUSD is committed to differentiate instruction for students who qualify for gifted and talented education. We aim to include ALL identified students so that the AUSD GATE population is one that is representative of the rich racial, socioeconomic, linguistic and cultural AUSD population. AUSD commits to providing staff and parents high-quality training so that differentiated opportunities for learning occurs to meet students' unique abilities and talents in the classroom with support at home.
GATE Identification Process:
GATE identification begins in 3rd grade. All 3rd grade students have the opportunity to be tested in 3rd grade, students in 4th - 8th grades may be tested by teacher referral or parent request. Parents or guardians interested in having their child GATE tested in grades 4 or above should contact their school site or fill out the request below.
GATE Assessment:
Students in grades 4th-8th are assessed using the online version of the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT). The OLSAT is a nationally standardized, norm-referenced, group administered measure of verbal and non-verbal school abilities. Test outcomes determine whether or not a child qualifies for GATE under High Achievement. Students who score within a certain range on the OLSAT but do not qualify for GATE will also be administered the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test which measures a student's problem-solving and seasoning abilities without relying on their language skills. All 3rd grade students, with passive parent consent, will be administered the Naglieri first. If the student scores within a range of qualifying for GATE, then they may be administered the OLSAT. The District's GATE Director and qualified staff review all assessment results and based on either the OLSAT's or Naglieri's eligibility criteria, determine qualification for GATE.
GATE Recommendation Form:
If you would like to recommend your child/student for GATE testing, use the following link and submit it to your school principal or teacher by the deadline listed below. The District will review all parent/teacher recommendations. Teachers, administrators and parents may use the same form to recommend students for GATE testing.
GATE Identification Timeline:
GATE Classroom Differentiation:
Elementary students who are identified as GATE receive differentiated instruction within their classrooms, leveled grouping in Strategic Teaming, and site-based Universal Access program offerings. High school students may receive specialized learning through the Honors and AP program offerings, as well as possible differentiated instruction in the classrooms. AUSD does NOT provide Pull-out GATE programs or cohort classes, however enrichment opportunities are embedded throughout the school day.
Parent Consent for GATE Testing:
If it is determined that your child may be GATE tested, a Parent Consent for GATE Assessment must be obtained, signed and returned to the school site for all 4th-8th students. A passive consent is received for 3rd grade students. The screening process and recommendation must be documented by the due date prior to obtaining the required parent consent.
Requesting your child's GATE Assessment Results:
In accordance to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, parents/guardians may request a copy of their child's GATE assessment results through written request. However, AUSD sends all parents/guardians a copy of the results in early spring, should you require an additional copy, please submit a written request using this link and email it to [email protected].
GATE Parent Collaboratives:
Parent collaboratives are open for parents/guardians of GATE students to learn and collaborate with us regarding our GATE programming. All parents/guardians wishing to learn more about GATE and how to differentiate learning and experiences for GATE students both at home and school are welcome to join us.
Flyer for all 24-25 Parent GATE Workshops
- September 24, 2024 virtual from 6pm-7:00pm -
- January 21, 2025 in person from 5-6pm
- March 11, 2025 virtual from 6-7pm
A. No. (https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/gt/)
A. Since California law places GATE programming under "local control" you may wish to inquire with the school district's GATE coordinator about why your child was not selected. Ultimately, the decision will be left to the district. (https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/gt/)
A. In response to LCFF legislation, California Senate Bill 971 (signed into law September 2014) repealed all previous EC that referred to GATE as a categorical program. The language contained in EC sections 52200–52212 is no longer in effect. LEAs may determine program guidelines and policies regarding all aspects of GATE. (https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/gt/)
A. GATE as a categorical funding stream was eliminated with the passage of the LCFF. Many LEAs have continued to fund their GATE programs under the LCFF but whether to expand, maintain, or suspend GATE programs is a local decision. (https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/gt/)