The GATE program, “Gifted and Talented Education,” is the educational program designed to address the learning styles of the students who have been identified as gifted and talented. GATE services are based on the most current research in gifted education.

These are in keeping with the State Education Code’s directions for services for the gifted and talented. Differentiation of course content is achieved through added depth, complexity, novelty, and acceleration. Teachers across the district are provided with opportunities to attend staff development in the differentiation of instruction.

As a parent you can:

• Ensure that your child is completing all the school assignments.
• Help your child to develop good study habits, thinking skills, and a positive attitude towards learning.
• Ensure that your child has good attendance at school.
• Stay in communication with your child’s teacher.
• Encourage your child to read as much and as widely as possible.
• Look for educational games and programs that engage your child.
• Help your child learn how to follow directions carefully.
• Help your child to embrace failure and encourage a “growth mindset.”
• Speak to your child as often as possible.
• Be aware that there is no specific preparation for an intelligence test. Pre-exposure to similar test items may invalidate the test results.

Schools will notify parents in advance of the expected test day.  Prepare your child as follows:

• Make sure your child is prepared
• Inform your child about the upcoming test.
• Assure your child that you are aware of the test and approve of their taking the test.
• Remain positive
• Staying calm will help your child stay calm. Discuss relaxation techniques that can be used if needed.
• Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and eats a healthy breakfast

If your child is not well on the morning of the test, please keep your child home.  Tests can be rescheduled for illness BUT reassessment requests are not valid because of an illness.

After the Test:

• Test scores will help determine your child’s program eligibility and scheduling needs and help guide the teacher in implementing instruction in the classroom.
• Talk to your child’s teacher/counselor regarding appropriate programs and courses.
• Discuss test results generally with your child.  
• Assure your child that all results are positive.

The Naglieri Non-Verbal Ability test is a matrix reasoning type of exam that contains diagrams and shapes that form patterns and shapes. The Naglieri test is considered a non-verbal test and unbiased toward a child whose first language is not English. Naglieri Non-Verbal Ability Tests include different types of questions – pattern completion, reasoning by analogy, serial reasoning and spatial visualization.