Access to advanced programs (gifted and talented education—GATE)
Just as struggling students need access to supports so they can achieve grade-level proficiency, students who have progressed beyond grade-level expectations need access to academic challenges that will keep them engaged, motivated, and continually learning. The Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program, authorized by Education Code (EC) sections 52200 through 52212 (Outside Source), provides funding for local educational agencies (LEAs) to develop unique education opportunities for high-achieving and underachieving pupils who have been identified as gifted and talented. The program calls for special efforts to ensure that pupils from economically disadvantaged and varying cultural backgrounds have equal access to these opportunities.
In some cases, gifted students can participate in heterogeneous classes because effective differentiation provides them with more challenging projects. In other cases, separate classes are needed to provide advanced course work such as geometry or advanced scientific processes.
In the Spotlight
Sutter Middle School, Sacramento City Unified School District
To provide gifted students with increased academic rigor, Sutter opened several sections of GATE science. In one unit called “Crime Scene Investigation,” students work in small groups to gather and analyze data from a mock crime scene. They must analyze handwriting samples, shoe prints, clothing fibers, and blood type reports to eliminate suspects and to draw conclusions about the data.
With the tight academic schedule in middle grades, it is a challenge for staff members to add extra opportunities. However, providing mentors, establishing partnerships with neighboring schools or universities, and online (distance) learning are ways of helping gifted students to stay engaged.
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