Jefferson Elementary School District has proposed a plan that would make it a little harder for students to gain admission to the Gifted and Talented Education classes and after-school sessions. Right now, Jefferson has more than 2,500 students, 341 of whom are involved in G.A.T.E.
If the district board of supervisors approves the changes in May, students looking to get into G.A.T.E. classes will have to score “advanced” in both the English and the math sections of the annual Standard Testing and Reporting exams. As it stands now, a student must score “advanced” in just one of the categories to qualify, said Deanne Andrade, Jefferson’s curriculum coordinator.
“We are looking for a G.A.T.E. student to be a well-rounded student, as well,” said Andrade. “The students that are in G.A.T.E. are the ones who would be truly identified (as gifted). … Not just a high-achieving student.”
Jefferson Superintendent Dana Eaton said that the district gets $16,000 a year from the state for G.A.T.E., based on overall enrollment in its schools.
Teachers of prospective gifted students will fill out a portfolio of the student’s work for consideration. The teacher will also write a cover letter recommending the student, or prepare for an interview to get into the classes.
“Our board is extremely supportive of our school district continuing to improve how we support G.A.T.E. students,” Eaton wrote in an e-mail. “At a time when the state has said that we are no longer required to fund the G.A.T.E. program, our board has maintained that it is an absolute necessity for our curricular program and has maintained the funding level.”
Jefferson also wants to put a grade-point average requirement on students applying for the advanced classes. According to district documents, students in fourth through eighth grade who have fulfilled the testing requirements must also keep at least a 3.0 GPA, with no Ds or Fs on their report card. If someone starts falling behind, Andrade said, a principal, a G.A.T.E. coordinator and the student’s parents would meet with the student to see what can be done.
Andrade said the changes would have no affect on those who are already in G.A.T.E., only those looking to gain admission into it.
Parents would also have more involvement, Andrade said. In addition to beefing up communication with parents of gifted students, some parents who show scholarly expertise can volunteer to lead after-school sessions.
“Parents were asking what kind of activities there would be after school,” Andrade said. “When I had phone conversations with them, I asked if they had an expertise they’d be willing to share.”
Jefferson’s board members will vote on the changes at their May 11 meeting.
Suggestion: look at GATE districts (yes, district-wide all schools GATE) and compare their programs. Extending the day almost seems like a punishment? Usually it is to challenge the student (accommodations) in the subject matter during the school day. Differentiated instruction needs to include GATE strategies.
Afterschool would simply be nice for anyone interested. Just a suggestion.
Parents could volunteer during the school day to assit with GATE "centers". Math Clubs, Chess Clubs, Science Olympiads, etc...are all part of the GATE "additions".