Educational Services » GATE

GATE

WELCOME!

It is important to note that not all gifted children look or act alike. Giftedness exists in every demographic group and personality type.

All 2024-2025 LUSD 4th-grade students are screened for GATE unless opted out.
The 2024-2025
 LUSD GATE 5th-7th grade nomination window will be open from 9/30/24 through 10/12/24.   

Optional, afterschool GATE Class 

All LUSD GATE students stay in their assigned classroom and school site. LUSD offers afterschool GATE Enrichment classes for LUSD GATE identified students (5th-8th grades) on Tuesdays from 8/27/24 through 4/8/25.  Teachers will continue to differentiate in the classroom during the regular school day.

 

Each school site has extra-curricular clubs and activities that provide enrichment opportunities for all students.  We encourage all students to participate in these opportunities, when available.

 

In high school, high-achieving students are encouraged to enroll in Honors classes, AP coursework, and perhaps the Early College program.

IDENTIFICATION

It is important to note that not all gifted children look or act alike. Giftedness exists in every demographic group and personality type. Adults must look hard to discover potential and support gifted children as they reach for their personal best. This is why we use a combination of assessments, work samples, parent, and teacher observations to compile a portfolio to discover and support gifted students.

If your child was LUSD GATE identified, at any grade level, your child stays in the LUSD GATE program until graduation. No LUSD GATE-identified student will be re-screened.

If your child was GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) identified in another school district, LUSD will need documentation of GATE identification from your previous district with your child's name, date, and authorized signature to determine if those requirements meet LUSD's GATE identification criteria. Kindly email these documents to [email protected].

UNIVERSAL SCREENING

In January, all LUSD 4th-grade students, who are not already GATE identified, will be screened using various cognitive ability assessments and a creative writing prompt. Writing samples are evaluated by LUSD GATE staff for use of language, divergent thought, and idea development. Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh grade nominated students will be screened using the same protocol.

NOMINATION

Nominations for GATE identification are accepted for 2024-2025 5th through 7th graders.

Parents or students can fill out the Parent Nomination Google Form during the nomination window. An electronic signature (typing) is required to give LUSD permission to assess the student. Teachers can nominate through this Teacher Nomination Google Form.


The 24-25 LUSD GATE 5th-7th grade nomination window will be open between 9/30/24 through 10/12/24.

 
LUSD GATE Identification Process
 
 

What can parents do for their child?

Each child has strengths in certain areas, whether in math; language arts; physical, natural, and social sciences; music; visual and performing arts; leadership; athletics; philanthropy; or some other field. To help bright children discover what they do best, we need to help them explore their interests and abilities.

At home:

  • Be attentive to your child’s comments and observations.
  • Create an environment that promotes self-expression.
  • Help him to develop skills and interests, for example, in plant science, animal care, electronics, carpentry, mechanics, law, design, and crafts.
  • Encourage her to explore the beauty of diverse cultures—through language, poetry, story, song, dance, puppetry, cooking, and crafts.
  • Promote exploration and discovery.
  • Emphasize effort and progress rather than perfection.
  • Show your child how errors can be opportunities to discover and learn.
  • Model positive ways to address setbacks and solve problems.
  • Instill ways to help your child understand and regulate emotional reactions.
  • Promote a healthy lifestyle.
  • Demonstrate how to serve your community

Resource: NAGC Helping Your Gifted Child Succeed