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 racially, socioeconomically, linguistically and culturally diverse. AUSD commits to providing staff and parents to high-quality training so that differentiated opportunities for learning that meet students' unique abilities and talents occur in the classroom with support at home.
GATE Identification Process:
A referral for GATE identification begins in 3rd grade. Students have the opportunity to be tested by teacher referral or parent request. Parents or guardians interested in having their child GATE tested in grades 3 or above should contact their school site or fill out the request below. New and current students in grades 4th-8th, not previously tested and meet qualifying criteria, may also be recommended for GATE testing.
GATE Screening:
Eligibility is determined by a ranking matrix which also includes standardized academic scores in ELA and Math, cumulative records and report card grades. The final recommendation to test a student for GATE is made by AUSD District staff.
GATE Assessment:
Students are assessed using 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. The District's GATE Director and qualified staff review all assessment results and based on the OLSAT's eligibility criteria, determine qualification for GATE.
Parent GATE Recommendation Form:
If your would like to recommend your child 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 recommendations along with the student data listed above and reach out before the GATE testing window to inform you whether or not your child meets the criteria for GATE testing.
Parent Gate Recommendation Form
GATE Identification Timeline:
GATE Assessment:
Elementary students who are identified as GATE receive differentiated instruction in the classrooms, leveled grouping in Strategic Teaming, and site-based Universal Access program offerings. High school students receive specialized learning through the Honors and AP program offerings, as well as receiving differentiated instruction in the classrooms. AUSD does NOT provide Pull-out GATE programs, however enrichment opportunities are embedded throughout the school day.
Parent Consent for GATE Testing:
If it is determined you child may be GATE tested, a Parent Consent for GATE Assessment must be obtained, signed and returned to the school site. 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 late spring, should you require an additional copy, please submit a written request using this link and email it to mtss@ausd.us.
GATE Parent Online Workshops:
Coming soon!
GATE Parent Advisory Meetings:
Each school has a parent representative attend the district GATE Advisory Committee meetings. If you are interested in becoming a parent representative for your school, please contact your school principal or assistant principal.
Meeting dates for the 2021-22 school year are: TBD
Non-AUSD Endorsed GATE Resources and Programs:
There are many summer opportunities designed specifically for gifted and talented students in the elementary, middle, and high school grades. Alhambra USD does NOT endorse any of the programs and companies mentioned in the links provided below. There are offered as resources for parents to explore. Any specific questions you may have about these summer opportunities, please contact the companies noted in the links directly, or contact the sponsoring organizations via phone or email:
The Institute for Educational Advancement
http://www.educationaladvancement.org/whats-new
National Association for the Gifted (NAGC)
Summer Programs Link: http://www.nagc.org/index.aspx?id=1103
(202) 785-4268
Email: nagc@nagc.org