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GATE Program Goals
2007-2010 State Approved District GATE Plan
The purpose of Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) is to meet the special needs of students whose performance and/or capacity for performance significantly exceeds age or grade-level expectations.
Differentiation of curriculum and instruction for GATE students should provide:
- Appropriate pacing and challenge of curriculum to ensure continuous academic growth
- Enrichment beyond the core curriculum
- Exploration of a particular area of interest
- Opportunity for creativity
- Development of skills in critical thinking, problem solving, divergent thinking, and independent learning.
Site Programming addresses the needs of GATE students primarily within the classroom. It is the responsibility of individual teachers to differentiate instruction and materials to provide the appropriate level of challenge for all students.
At some middle schools, specific accelerated classes are offered to GATE students, and at all high schools in the district there are advanced learning opportunities through honors and Advanced Placement classes. Enrichment also may be offered at the sites through before and after school programs.
One of the most popular site-based enrichment programs is Odyssey of the Mind, which is an international competition. Teams of 6-7 students, coached usually by parent volunteers, select one of six problems to solve. Teams attempting to solve the same problem then compete against one another at a regional level. Winning teams from MDUSD have gone on to state and international competitions.
Parent Information
Spring 07/08 Fall news 08-09 Spring news 08-09
Clarification of GATE Identification Processes
For more information contact:
GATE Secretary
gatesecretary@mdusd.k12.ca.us
(925) 682-8000 X4035
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