Gifted & Talented Education (GATE)
Providing the Education Gifted Students Need
This program is designed to challenge and motivate student who have the capacity for excellence beyond that of their age group.
Downey Unified’s goal for the GATE program is to provide these students with access to the most rigorous courses with highly qualified teachers, as well as provide educational experiences that expose students to local university programs and varied resources in Southern California.
In addition to academic excellence, on-site coordinators and counselors work with GATE students to make sure they are thriving outside of academics on a social-emotional level.
Two middle school GATE students building a robot to explore mechanical engineering concepts.
Rigorous Courses
Student Support
Enriched Curriculum
Qualified Instructors
Enriched Learning Opportunities
In order to reinforce classroom lessons and provide a richer academic experience, GATE students are exposed to various local resources and university programs, that may include:
- Participate in workshops at the Getty
- Perform research in presidential libraries
- Experience local arts center performances
- Explore museums
Does My Student Qualify for the GATE Program?
- Students take a nationally normed non-verbal reasoning test at every site during thier 4th, 5th and 6th grade years.
- If an elementary student scores 62% or higher on the reasoning test or if a middle school stduents scores 60% or higher, they move on to the next steps:
- Students then takw an iReady exam, and those in the highst testing levels are identified and moved on to the next screening process.
- Evidence of the students’ critical thinking skills are gathered from their teachers
- Student Qualification Packet is reviewed by a team of GATE Leads
- If an elementary student scores 62% or higher on the reasoning test or if a middle school stduents scores 60% or higher, they move on to the next steps:
- Middle school students can qualify in one single subject area (i.e. English, Math)
- Elementary students can qualify across subject areas
For more information:
- Elementary GATE Lead: Diana Israwi, disrawi@dusd.net
- Middle School GATE Lead Teacher: Sara Maples, ssmaples@dusd.net
Teachers use “Depth and Complexity Elements” as a guide for enriching activities and lessons, asking students more sophisticated questions, guiding literature circles, and exploring topics during group or independent study.