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Gifted And Talented Education (GATE)

Click here to download 2-page GATE brochure in PDF.

SCHOOL DISTRICT of UNIVERSITY CITY
Gifted And Talented Education (GATE)
This page is designed to provide you with an introduction to the GATE program. 

Defining Gifted
Missouri defines gifted children as “those children who exhibit precocious development of mental capacity and learning potential as determined by competent professional evaluation to the extent that continued educational growth and stimulation could best be served by an academic environment beyond that offered through a standard grade level curriculum.”

Gifted Program Rationale
The program recognizes that students possess unique talents across a range of multiple intelligences. Some students require a differentiated curriculum and more challenging enrichment opportunities to realize their full potential. This program integrates critical and creative thinking activities, independent research, and creative problem-solving activities throughout its curriculum while providing affective education through development of intelligent behaviors and leadership qualities. The academic and affective needs of students are best served by the challenge and stimulation of working with their peers in an enriched environment that recognizes the diversity of the student population.

Program Model
The GATE program follows a site-based model that is customized to the needs of the GATE population at individual schools. At the elementary school level (K-6), GATE students are assigned to classrooms by cluster, allowing teachers the opportunity for instruction based upon the ability, talents and needs of the particular cluster of children.
Students who qualify for GATE meet by grade level for a minimum of 150 minutes each week for direct instruction on a pull-out basis. Middle school students have one elective GATE class period on alternating days, while at University City High School, a GATE seminar is provided, along with an independent research elective.

Program Goals
The School District of University City is committed to educational excellence for all students. We will educate and graduate students who have mastered a comprehensive body of knowledge, have developed critical thinking skills, value creativity, respect diversity and make responsible life choices.

As a result of offering differentiated curriculum and personalized support, gifted students will have the opportunity to achieve district goals at the level commensurate with their talent. They will also be challenged to apply their knowledge and skills in complex and advanced ways so that they can continue to develop academically. If provided with the challenge and support that is needed, these students will become highly productive citizens who contribute in significant ways to the well-being of the broader community.

Through the GATE program, students will:
• demonstrate and develop creative thinking through the participation in activities that require, fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration.
• demonstrate strong problem-solving skills through the development of critical thinking, decision-making and reasoning.
• demonstrate creative and independent learning through the design and representation of independent research.
• demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills on a variety of topics through the use of different media.
• cultivate effective interpersonal, intrapersonal and leadership skills.
• develop intrapersonal skills through self-evaluation, effective time management, and identification and development of individual multiple intelligences.

Identification of Students
The School District of University City strives to identify students from a wide variety of experiences, cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds utilizing a thorough annual screening and evaluation process. This process helps to ensure that all qualifying students have the opportunity to consider participating in the GATE program. These evaluation tools go beyond traditional IQ measures to include talents beyond academics.

Screening and Identification Procedures for GATE
Kindergarten students will be screened first semester, all other students will be screened second semester.

Initial Screening: All students in grade K-6 will go through the Initial Screening process. During this process, the GATE teacher will be collecting data. Parents of students who qualify will receive a letter stating that their child has met the qualifications for Advanced Screening.

Advanced Screening: Advanced Screening: The Advanced Screening involves various test scores, teacher evaluations, and observations by the classroom and GATE teachers. All this data will be placed on a matrix. Parents will receive a letter of notification regarding their child’s results on the Advanced Screening.

Final Evaluation: Students will be given the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT) and the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT2). These scores, along with additional data, will be placed on the Final Evaluation matrix. Scores on the Final Evaluation Matrix determine eligibility for either GATE or Enrichment service.

PEGS
The Program for Exceptionally Gifted Students (PEGS) is offered off-site for a limited number of qualifying students in grades two (2) through twelve (12) who qualify as being exceptionally gifted.

Characteristics of Giftedness
Compared to other children your child’s age, how many of these descriptors fi t your child?

Applicants for admission or employment, students, parents of elementary and secondary school students, employees, sources of referral, and all professional organizations that have entered into agreements with the School District of University City are hereby notified that our School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities. Inquiries or concerns regarding the application of this notice may be referred to our School District’s Compliance Coordinator for civil rights laws, Dr. Darryl O. Cobb, Assistant Superintendent/Human Resources, 8136 Groby Road, University City, MO 63130, phone (314) 290-4021. Any person who is unable to resolve a problem or grievance arising under Title VI (race/color/national origin), Title IX (sex), the Age Discrimination Act (age), Section 504 (disability), or Title II of the ADA (disability), may contact the Office for Civil Rights, Region VII, 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, MO 64114; phone (816) 268-0550.