GATE Parent Night

January 22, 2015Presented by: Liz Sloan, PrincipalRebecca Clark, Teacher, GATE Team LeaderAaron Lehman, Parent, GATE DAC Representative

GiftedA child has an advanced capacity

to learn and apply what is learned to one or more subject areas, or in the performing or fine arts. Gifted does not connote good or better; it is a term that allows students to be identified for services that meet their unique learning needs.

What is GATE Certification?Raven TestGATE Cluster 98th percentile and

aboveGATE Seminar 99.9th percentile

and aboveSpecial FactorsCertified for lifeTested in second and fifth gradeTest students new to District

San Diego Unified offers two instructional models for gifted

studentsGATE Cluster: Traditional Model (A): 50% minimum GATE identified; remainder of class high achieving students Diversity Model (B): 25% minimum GATE identified; remainder of class reflects the diversity of the school Collaborative Model (C): grade level and cross age teaming where students are regrouped for core subjects creating a Cluster of 25% or more GATE identified Individualized GATE Plan (D): for schools with small populations where grouping is not possible; a plan for each GATE student regarding curricular modifications

GATE Seminar: Not all sites offer seminar. Most classes are composed of a majority of

seminar students. They may also include high achieving GATE cluster

students. These classes are taught by GATE certified teachers, who

should have 3 years experience teaching in a GATE cluster classroom.

GATE Model at EBSDiversity Model: At least 25% of

students in all classes in grades 3 through 5 are GATE certified.

We differentiate the curriculum in all classes to meet the needs of all students

DifferentiationDifferentiation is the practice of making lessons different

by using multiple strategies to accommodate the different

students in a single classroom. A classroom may have

students with a wide range of abilities and rather than

teach to the middle, and lose the students who need some

extra help as well as those who need very little repetition,

a teacher may alter lessons so that all students in a

classroom will benefit.Sandra Kaplan, CAG website

-acceleration -flexible grouping

-enrichment -tiered assignments

How do we differentiate instruction?

Dimensions of Differentiation of the California GATE State Standards

DepthComplexityNovelty

Common Core and GATE

Video: 7 Minutes of TerrorAs you watch the video think

about the complex problem solving skills that will be needed for 21st Century jobs.

Thinking outside the boxTeamworkApproaching problems from

different anglesPersevering

Video

Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

oCCSS is being implemented this year (2014/15)

o “The standards set grade level-specific standards but do not define the intervention methods or materials necessary to support students who are well below or well above grade level expectations.”

Assessment:

Students will be assessed in a new way. Students will have to explain why the answers they are giving are correct and how they came to that conclusion. This requires a more thorough understanding of content, the ability to present and defend an argument, and the ability to demonstrate their reasoning.

Pathways through Middle and High SchoolElementary: Cluster and Seminar

classesMiddle School: Cluster and

Seminar humanities classes. Math placement based on achievement

High School: Seminar humanities. Shift into AP pathway.

Parent InvolvementWhat is the District Advisory

Committee?

Research Supports the importance of

Parent Involvement in Children’s School

“…the most accurate predictor of a student's

achievement in school isn’t income or social

status but the extent to which that student's

family is able to:

Create a home environment that encourages

learning

Express high (but not unrealistic)

expectations for their children's achievement

and future careers

Become involved in their children's education

at school and in the community

Henderson and Berla

(1994)

How do I support my child at school?

Create a home environment

that encourages learning:

Limit technology and “screen” time

Have a designated location and time for homework, in

order to support the idea of the importance of doing

school work, be available to support your child

staying focused

Let your child see you reading every day, whether for

pleasure or for work.

Explore local museums on free days or with passes

checked out from the City library system

Explore puzzles and word games together as a family

Provide the tools to encourage creativity, such as

crayons, paper,

clay, sidewalk chalk, Legos, etc.

How do I support my child at school?

Express high (but not unrealistic) expectations

for your children's achievement and future

careers

Don’t expect straight A’s because your child is

gifted. Many students develop asynchronously –

they may be aces in Math or science and struggle

with penmanship and expressing themselves – or

vice versa.

Be supportive and patient when your child

struggles. Mastering difficulties builds confidence

for the next time they are encountered.

Be careful not to over-praise your child for work

easily done well, rather, praise them heavily for

working hard to master difficulties.

How do I support my child at school?

Become involved in your children's

education at school and in the

community

Take every opportunity to volunteer at your school site and

otherwise. Your willingness to participate will stimulate your child

to do the same.

Attend as many school events as possible. When you value school,

your child

will too.

If you have any time at all to be in the classroom to help on a

regular basis – do it! Grandparents are often welcome to help as

well on an on-going basis.

Always attend Parent/Teacher meetings. Bringing you child is even

better, as it will teach them that they are an important actor in

their learning.

Ask your child open ended questions that will lead to conversations

such as: “What was the coolest thing you learned at school today?”

rather than: “How was your day?” which can lead to a simple,

communication ending “fine.”