For more information about
the GATE programs in Mt. Diablo, contact
Colleen Dowd, Program Specialist - (925)
682-8000 extension 4034
dowdc@mdusd.k12.ca.us
or
_________________ GATE Secretary - (925)
682-8000 extension 4031
Program Goals
The purpose of Gifted and
Talented Education (GATE) is to meet the special needs of students whose
performance and/or capacity for performance significantly exceeds age
or grade-level expectations.
Differentiation of curriculum
and instruction for GATE students should provide:
- Appropriate pacing and challenge of
curriculum to ensure continuous academic growth
-
Enrichment beyond the core curriculum
-
Exploration of a particular area of
interest
- Opportunity for creativity
-
Development of skills in critical
thinking, problem solving, divergent thinking, and independent learning.
Return
to Top
District Programs
District-wide programs exist
to provide enrichment opportunities for GATE students and to allow interaction
with other students of similar ability and interest.
Elementary Science
Center, Cowell Park:
Middle School Enrichment: pullout
programs
- Literary Magazine - publication of
student writing and art work
- Model United Nations - General Assembly, Security Council, and
committee simulation
- Mock Legislature - simulation of state legislature
-
Newscope - current events competition
- Sixth Grade Science Seminars
High School Seminars
(after school):
- Writing the College Essay
Return to Top
Site Programming
addresses the needs of GATE students
primarily within the classroom. It is the responsibility of individual
teachers to differentiate instruction and materials to provide the
appropriate level of challenge for all students.
At some middle schools,
specific accelerated classes are offered to GATE students, and at
all high schools in the district there are advanced learning opportunities
through honors and Advanced Placement classes. Enrichment also may
be offered at the sites through before and after school programs.
One of the most popular
site-based enrichment programs is Odyssey of the
Mind, which
is an international competition. Teams of 6-7 students, coached usually
by parent volunteers, select one of six problems to solve. Teams attempting
to solve the same problem then compete against one another at a regional
level. Winning teams from MDUSD have gone on to state and international
competitions. Further information on this program is available through
the web site. (See Resources)
"Talents
to Go" is a four-week summer enrichment program held during the month
of July. Based on their own interests, students select an area for
in-depth study and then design a way to share what they have learned.
They develop advanced research and presentation skills by working
in small groups with teacher specialists. Based on the Enrichment
Triad Model developed by Dr. Joseph Renzulli at the University of
Connecticut, "Talents to Go" also enables students in grades
3-7 in a multiage setting to interact with others who share their
same or similar interests.
Return to Top