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GATE (Gifted and Talented Education)

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


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.

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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

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GATE Advisory Committee

The  2007/08 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. 

2007/08 GATE Advisory Committee Members 

  • Brenda Biren, Tam Valley  
  • Terry Nelson, Old Mill  
  • Steven Schow, Middle School
  • Lauren Elliott, Middle School
  • Nancy Felder, Edna Maguire
  • Jon Sigerman, Park 
  • Audrey Finci, Strawberry Point
  • Niko Castaillac, Teacher, Strawberry Point 
  • Rod Septka, Teacher, Middle School
  • Linda Tanguay, Teacher, Old Mill
  • Maggie Front, Teacher, Park 
  • Leslie Thornton, GATE Coordinator and Principal, Strawberry Point
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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. View summer programs

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.

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GATE Events - April 2008
 
 
 
  Learn more about their foundation and what they do for communities...and what our kids might want to participate in as well.

 

 
 
If your student would like to attend, please RSVP to contact@mvschools.org with GAP RSVP in the subject line. Please indicate if your child will be attending the April or May event or both.  Parents are welcome to attend.
 
 
The GATE advisory committee welcomes other suggestions from all professions and work environments. Please email ideas and suggestions where you work yourself, or have a strong contact, to shs@sfsentry.comWe on the GATE "Real World" committee look forward to many stimulating conversations this series will spark!
Article Headline
EARTH DAY BREAKFAST with 10 Tam High Seniors!

 

WHEN:  Tuesday, April 22, 2008

             7:00-8:10 AM    5th Grade GATE Students' Breakfast

             7:45- 8:30 AM   6th, 7th, & 8th Grade GATE Students' Breakfast

 

WHERE:  Mill Valley Middle School Conference Room (across from Library)

             A few parents will help in the Conference Room. 

             Remaining parents can visit and have coffee in the hallway and 

             Library.

 

JOIN US FOR A DELICIOUS BREAKFAST IN THE MILL VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL CONFERENCE ROOM! 

 

Nancy Sigerman will accept RSVP's: nance24cat@yahoo.com by Friday, April 18th.

 

Your RSVP should include:  Student's Full Name, Grade, School, and menu choices: bagels, cream cheese, muffins, donut holes, fruit, orange juice, hot cocoa, and water.  Also, whether coffee is needed for one or two parents.  Let us know if you would like to contribute food, drink or some money for this festive occasion.

 

BYOPPCNAM: Bring your own plastic plate, cloth napkin, and mug; take it home,to the office, or to your backpack, after the event.  We will only have a compost bin for fruit remains.                                       

 
About the Event:

Your student will have a chance to talk informally with the Seniors and learn about the great courses offered at Tamalpais High School.  These students have collectively taken the majority of courses/activities offered:  (A.P.=Advanced Placement; H=Honors)

  • A.P. Literature                                   
  • A.P. Calculus
  • A.P. U.S. History                              
  • High School Buddy Tutor
  • A.P. Spanish                                     
  • Dance outside school for fun
  • Softball                                              
  • School Band
  • A.P. French                                      
  • Have Own Band-play guitar
  • Mock Trial                                      
  • A.P. Photography                                            
  • Drama                                              
  • Track
  • H. Theater Directing                          
  • A.I.M.
  • Tennis                                               
  • (Academy Integrated Humanities/Media)
  • Jazz Band                                        
  • Filmmaking                                          
  • General Interest in Politics               
  • Mountain Biking
  • H.Physiology                                   
  •  Snow Skiing/work in Ski Shop
  • A.P. Drawing & Painting                 
  • Trumpet
  • A.P. Environmental Science            
  • A.P. Language/Composition             
  • Basketball                                         
  • A.P. Pottery                                    
  • Soccer 
  • H. Physics                                          
  • and more!
 
                
 
                         Attention GATE Parents/Guardians!
The GATE Committee is in interested in your ideas for GATE events. If there are activities you would to offer please contact GATE Coordinator Leslie Thornton at lthornton@mvschools.org or call 415.380.2490, ext.101.

 

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Contact

GATE Coordinator:
Leslie Thornton, Principal, Strawberry Point School

lthornton@mvschools.org

415.380.2490, ext 101

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