GATE

WEST COVINA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Gifted And Talented Education PLAN

It is the purpose of West Covina Unified School District to provide all GATE students with proper guidance, appropriate classes to meet their identified needs and abilities, differentiated instruction and enrichment activities to develop and stimulate inquisitiveness, creativity and academic and critical thinking abilities. West Covina Unified School District supports and coordinates the implementation of the Gifted and Talented Program at each school site. In accordance to legislation, AB2313, students receive appropriate differentiated curriculum and varied learning opportunities during the regular instructional day. Enrichment and acceleration opportunities are encouraged which will meet individual student's specific needs and talents. All enrichment activities are supplemental to regular, daily, differentiated instruction.

The goal of West Covina Unified School district is to identify Gifted and Talented students using a variety of assessments which will insure recognition and equal access of students from varying linguistic, economic and cultural backgrounds. The comprehensive process of identification can include one or more of the following products: screening of STAR results, portfolio, nonverbal or verbal cognitive assessment, academic excellence in standards and/or G.P.A, a scale for rating behavioral characteristics and leadership checklist.

Annually, all 3rd grade students are tested for the gifted and talented program using appropriate identification assessment. Selected students in grades 4-12 will be identified through the district’s screening process and evaluation criteria in several categories. Testing can be requested by teachers, principals, counselors, psychologists, parents or students, if appropriate.

Parents are a vital component of the district’s Gifted and Talented Program. Ongoing parent participation in program planning and activities is highly encouraged. Suggested parent training corresponds with district and school wide programs because parent attendance is excellent when their children are involved.

Each school site has a Parent GATE Committee either as a part of the School Site Council or as a separate committee. Parents will meet with the site administrator/teacher GATE specialist at least twice a year for information on GATE services, activities and evaluation. To encourage the attendance of parents of Limited English proficient students, translators are available during all training.

Here are some GATE Web Resources: