GATE Program
The San Lorenzo Unified School District believes that children are our best resource for a better future. As noted on our district's Strategic Plan, one of the primary goals is helping students reach their best academic and intellectual potential -- "All students will meet or exceed the state academic standards." Aligned with this philosophy is our dedication to recognizing gifted and talented students and to provide educational opportunities that will allow them to fully develop their intellectual capacity and talents.
Fact Sheet
- California legislature established M.G.M: Mentally Gifted Minor program in 1961.
- California Education Code allows broad flexibility in determining how the needs of gifted and talented students should be met.
- The State provides program guidelines that suggest exemplary programming.
- There is no specific delivery model recommended by the State of California.
- California Education Code requires that parents be involved in the planning and evaluation of the GATE Program.
- School Site Plans must specify instructional services to meet the needs of gifted students.
- Districts may elect to apply for GATE funding from the State.
- GATE applications are approved for one, two, or three years.
- Funding for the SLZUSD GATE program comes only from State allocations.
Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom
In what ways will my student's academic talent and interest be challenged in the regular classroom?
Within the regular classroom, teachers differentiate the curriculum in a variety of ways. Differentiation is intended to extend and challenge student thinking with an ongoing emphasis to deepen and supplement the core curriculum. Student responses, activities and achievement are evidence of a differentiated curriculum. Speaking directly with your child's teacher at parent conference time is an ideal opportunity to discuss specific classroom adaptations.
A differentiated curriculum is aligned to the core curriculum as defined by State frameworks and standards. It is modified to meet the learning needs of the GATE student in depth, complexity, novelty and pace.
Differentiated instruction is accomplished in many ways in the regular classroom:
- In class, across class, between grade grouping
- In depth projects and investigations
- Extended activities
- Leveled assignments
- Flexible pacing, accelerated pacing
- Independent study
- Interest groups
- Different material and texts
- Emphasis on complexity/novelty
- Differential expectations for production
- Questioning techniques
- Mentoring (partner with community members, experts in specific areas, other teachers/students)
After School Enrichment Classes
In what other ways are my student's talents and interests supported?
GATE students are offered the opportunity to participate in after school enrichment classes. Instructors who have special talent and interest in working with GATE students conduct these classes throughout the district. Courses are designed to reflect identified areas of interest/need as determined by the GATE Office through parent/student surveys.
These classes are multi-grade with varying class times. Class locations are located throughout the district at several school sites. Parents are responsible for transportation. Off site fieldtrips are sometimes included to enrich the content. There is no fee for these classes and students may enroll in multiple classes, depending on availability.
Two sessions of classes are offered. These sessions begin in mid-October and February.
Examples of recent after school enrichment classes include:
- 3D Computer animation
- Dance
- Art Exploration
- Math COUNTS
- Gourmet Foods
- Art Around the World
- Music Ensemble
- Literary Magazine
- Computer Crafts
- Piano class
- French Culture
- Exploring Math and Science
- Journalism
- Digital Imaging
- SAT Prep
50 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo, CA 94580
Phone: 510-317-3000 Fax: 510-278-0547
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