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 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 TESTING FOR THE 22-23 SCHOOL YEAR HAS CONCLUDED. FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN WHO WERE GATE TESTED HAVE BEEN SENT RESULTS VIA EMAIL. SHOULD YOU HAVE MISSED THE GATE TESTING PERIOD FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR, PLEASE COME BACK IN AUGUST FOR UPDATES REGARDING OUR TIMELINE AND REQUEST FORM FOR THE 23-24 SCHOOL YEAR.
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.
Parent GATE Recommendation Form:
If you 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. 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 late spring, should you require an additional copy, please submit a written request using this link and email it to [email protected].
GATE Parent Online Workshops:
Parent workshops are open for ALL parents/guardians wishing to learn more about GATE and how to differentiate learning and experiences for GATE students both at home and school.
- September 20, 2022 @ 6pm-7:00pm
- November 8, 2022 @ 6pm-7:00pm
- New Date: February 28, 2023 @ 6pm-7:00pm
- Flyer GATE Workshop 2/28/23
- Recording of GATE Workshop 2/28/23
- Slides of GATE Workshop 2/28/23
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 2022-23 school year are:
October 11, 2022 @ 6pm-7:00pm
New Date: April 25, 2023 @ 6pm-7:00pm
Non-AUSD Endorsed GATE Resources and Programs:
There are many 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 and educators to explore. Any specific questions you may have about these opportunities, please contact the companies noted in the links directly.
The Institute for Educational Advancement
http://www.educationaladvancement.org/whats-new
Center for Gifted Education
https://education.wm.edu/centers/cfge/profdev/index.php
National Association for the Gifted (NAGC)
https://www.nagc.org/about-nagc
California Association for the Gifted
Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted
World Council for Gifted and Talented Children
The Associated for the Gifted
International Gifted Consortium (IGC)
Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth
Davidson Institute for Talent Development
https://www.davidsongifted.org/
College Admissions Services
http://www.go4ivy.com/resources
Center for Talent Development