About GATE (Gifted and Talented Education)
“The Sacramento City Unified School District is committed to supporting gifted and high ability students who represent diverse socio-economic, linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The District’s instructional programs for Gifted and Talented students are based on the principles that all students have potential and should have equal opportunities to develop their individual capabilities, interests, and needs. We believe that students should receive specialized learning opportunities which are relevant, rigorous and well-rounded.”
Phoebe Hearst is one of five GATE Centers in Sacramento City Unified School District. The GATE program begins in 2nd Grade. Students across the district are tested in the first grade for eligibility through multiple measures including the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT), District Benchmark score data, and teacher and parent survey information. Once students are identified, their families may choose to enter the lottery for a seat in our 2nd grade cohort. This cohort of children will travel together through 6th grade. Students in our GATE classes can expect to be challenged by very rigorous curriculum, speaking and creative opportunities, many fieldtrips, and particular focus on shifting to the newly adopted Common Core State Standards.
All Phoebe Hearst GATE Teachers have special certification in GATE instruction. Their certification emphasizes expertise in differentiated instruction and implementation of Language Arts Curriculum from the College of William and Mary.
First Grade GATE Testing Timeline (2013-14)
December: Benchmark #1 testing window
January: GATE testing of all first grade students (Naglieri)
February: Benchmark #2 testing window
April:
1. Schools and families are notified of GATE Identification
2. GATE Orientation
May:
1. GATE Center Site Visits
2. Families are notified of GATE Center placements