Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program
Jeff Tobes
GATE Coordinator
888-1670
Email – jtobes@wrightesd.org
Program Goals:
· To provide an environment that will cultivate and encourage intellectual and creative abilities
· To provide students with instruction in the basic Wright ESD curriculum, with appropriate enrichment,acceleration, and in-depth study
· To develop self-esteem, allowing students to realize and acknowledge their own skills and talents and the skills and talents of others
Program Description:
GATE students in grades four through seven and high-ability students in kindergarten through third grade receive differentiated instruction within their classroom. In addition, GATE students have the opportunity to participate in after school enrichment classes and the Odyssey of the Mind program.
We are offering one – two after school enrichment classes at each of our schools. Each class has 15 – 30 students and runs for eight weeks. For the first trimester, the classes are the following:
- JX Wilson School – Beginning Chess and Artist-Style Art
- Wright Charter School – Art/Pottery and Drama
- Robert L. Stevens School - Chess
Odyssey of the Mind is a contest where teams of 6-7 students work on critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, and team-work. We plan to have at least one team from each school this year. There will be a regional competition on February 27th and a state tournament on March 27. Parents serve as coaches for these teams.
Program Qualifications:
Students in grades four through six qualify for the program in two ways: Advanced scores on both the English Language Arts and Math sections of the California STAR exam or a teacher recommendation combined with a score at or above the 95th percentile on the Raven Progressive Matrices exam.
GATE Links:
California Association for the Gifted
California Department of Education, GATE
SCOE, Lego Robotics
Starlab (Star Dome) from Lawrence Hall of Science
Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted
National Association for Gifted Children
