GATE (Gifted and Talented Education)

The GATE program provides differentiated learning opportunities for those students who have been identified. 

• Student Identification
• GATE Services at MVSD
• GATE Advisory Committee
• Resources for Families and Teachers
• GATE Events
• Contact

Student Identification

All students are screened at the end of 4th grade along with those new to the District in grades 5-7 for identification for GATE services, using the Otis Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT).   A score in the ninth stanine, which is 96% or above, qualifies for services.  We also qualify those who have an IQ of 135 or higher. If a parent or teacher and the GATE coordinator determine that further assessment is in order, the Naglieri Non-Verbal test is used. Accepted practice is to identify 3-5 percent of the population.

GATE Services at MVSD

Identified students are placed in clusters of 3-6 students in fifth grade and in core classes at the Middle School. Families are informed about both in and out of District opportunities that are available. The District offers after school classes for GATE students throughout the year, along with one or more parent education events. To read the entire District GATE Plan click here. 

Back to Top

GATE Advisory Committee

The GATE Advisory Committee was formed in October 2007, composed of staff, parents, and the GATE coordinator. This committee  reviews the GATE budget and serve as an advisory on services and programs. 

2009/10 GATE Advisory Committee Members 

• Brenda Biren, Tam Valley  
• Ben Toland, Tam Valley (Joined 2009)
• Terry Nelson, Old Mill  
• Steven Schow, Middle School
• Nancy Felder, Edna Maguire
• Janie Karp, Edna Maguire (Joined 2009)
• Jon Sigerman, Park 
• Julie Eisenberg, Park (Joined 2009)
• Audrey Finci, Strawberry Point
• Leslie Winokur, Strawberry Point (Joined 2009)
• Linda Tanguay, Teacher, Old Mill
• Erin Hames, GATE Coordinator
• Mark Barmore, Director of Student Support Services 

Back to Top

Resources for Families and Teachers

California Association for the Gifted     A conference is held annually in February, which is valuable or both teachers and parents.  Sunday offers opportunities for the students as well.

Center for Talented Youth  Since 1979, the Center for Talented Youth (CTY) at Johns Hopkins University has focused on the needs of students with exceptionally high academic abilities. The CTY community includes very bright students from all over the world whose talents place them well ahead of their agemates. 

Marin Math Circle  Since Fall 2009, for grades 6-8 (Fall 2010, includes grade 9). Meets Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Dominican University of California. Emphasizes in-depth exploration and collaborative problem solving. Professional mathematicians explore topics such as: infinite sets, four-dimensional geometry, cryptography, and combinatorics/graph theory. Topics and session leaders change every session or two. Public, private, and homeschool students attend. Please visit: www.marinmathcircle.org.

National Association for the Gifted     The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is an organization of parents, teachers, educators, other professionals, and community leaders who unite to address the unique needs of children and youth with demonstrated gifts and talents as well as those children who may be able to develop their talent potential with appropriate educational experiences. 

SENG- Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted     Research information available about misdiagnosis of gifted students and the results of a recent study looking into bullying and being gifted. An annual conference is held in July and speakers are available.

Excel for Youth      For students entering 4th-12th grades a unique opportunity for academic enrichment in accelerated classes. These classes are held at the Sonoma State University campus.

EPGY- Educational Program for Gifted Youth    The Education Program for Gifted Youth at Stanford University  is a continuing project dedicated to developing and offering multimedia computer-based distance-learning courses. In addition, there are summer institutes available from ages 11 to 17.

Dominican University Summer Odyssey Program    Summer programs at Domincan in San Rafael for gifted students in grades 2 through 10.  

Summer Institute for the Gifted      A residential summer program for gifted students held at UC Berkeley. The residential program is based on the idea that students become part of a community of like-minded young people and adults and are supported through an academic program of excellence.

Davidson Institute for Talent Development     Teacher and parent resources available including an on-line community mailing list and discussion forums for educators working with gifted students. The Davidson Foundation offers a Young Scholar Program where families have access to a wide variety of services designed to nurture and support profoundly intelligent young people.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Contacts

Back to Top