GATE AT MONTAIR

GATE FAQ

GATE represents Gifted and Talented Education. The term gifted refers to children who show, or have the potential for showing, an exceptional level of performance in one or more areas of expression. GATE is the differentiated and specialized education within the classroom designed for these gifted children.

 

At the conclusion of the second trimester, second grade teachers administer the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test). In order to pass the test, the CogAT age-related composite score must be at the 98th percentile or above OR a student must have an age-related composite score at the 97th percentile with an age-related score at the 99th percentile in at least one of the test's three sections (verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal). Once a student has passed the CogAT, he or she is identified as GATE.

 

The CogAT is a natural aptitude test that measures a student’s inductive and deductive reasoning abilities as well as their capacities in verbal, nonverbal, and quantitative tasks. Scores on this assessment reflect a student’s ability to identify relationships and demonstrate flexible thinking. The CogAT is frequently used among school districts to identify gifted students. San Ramon Valley Unified School District is one of those districts.

 

Since the CogAT is a natural aptitude test, there is no academic preparation required. Unnecessary studying can actually hinder a child's performance on the test and cause greater disappointment in the case that the child does not pass. Montair teachers recommend a good night's sleep the night before, a hearty breakfast the morning of the test, and plenty of encouragement from parents. Second grade teachers review the test's content with practice tests beforehand and create a conducive test taking environment by teaching the students smart test taking strategies.

 

Once your child passes the CogAT, he or she is classified as GATE in the school district and at the child's elementary school site. Administration and classroom teachers are informed of the child's GATE status and this information is entered into his or her school file. Students retain GATE status throughout their educational experience in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. 

 

You will receive an e-mail from Montair shortly after test results have been released. The e-mail will give you a brief overview of the program and what it entails. For further explanation, you will receive an invitation for a GATE Information Night. This night will explain the program in detail and answer any questions you may have about the program. Classroom teachers are another great resource for information.

 

GATE instruction begins on the first day of school. Through a variety of good teaching practices and strategies, Montair teachers meet the needs of and provide challenges for GATE students. GATE education is integrated into daily instruction. This ensures that gifted students' needs are being met consistently and constantly. Research shows that ongoing, in-class GATE instruction is far more powerful than sporadic after school GATE enrichment. San Ramon Valley School District and Montair believe that our gifted students deserve the maximum amount of GATE instruction that can be provided. The topic of GATE instruction and its implementation will be discussed in depth at the GATE Information Night. For information on how your child's unique needs are being met in his or her personal classroom, consult the teacher. Just as our gifted children learn differently, teachers present information and modify to meet their teaching styles. There might be slight deviations.

 

Regardless if a child passes the CogAT, his or her needs will be met in the classroom. GATE practices and strategies are not restricted to GATE students alone. If a child excels or shows strength in a particular academic area, the teacher will instruct or challenge him or her accordingly. Montair has many brilliant children that are willing and able to take a challenge. Montair teachers give children what they need whether or not they are classified as GATE.

Yes. Students can retake the CogAT the following year.  If you would like your child to retest, register online with the GATE district office.  Register at by going to ed services GATE page.   

 

 If your child was identified as a GATE student in another school district, contact the district GATE office at (925) 552-2916. They will tell you if the other district's assessments are equivalent or if your child must retest in our school district. If your child must retest, please refer to the previous question and answer.

 

For information about the GATE program in San Ramon Valley Unified School District refer to the district's GATE website . There is a multitude of information about the district's approach to and support of gifted education. For further information about GATE at Montair, contact a GATE teacher representative. Their information is provided on this webpage. For specific questions about GATE instruction and how it's implemented in the classroom, please wait for the GATE Information Night. It will provide all the answers to those questions and more. Your child's classroom teacher can be a valuable resource for information as well.

 

There are many ways you can help our Montair GATE program and your gifted child.

 

 

 

GATE IDENTIFICATION AND TESTING

 

 

 

 

New Students in Grades 3-8 Previously Identified as Gifted in Former District: Previously identified gifted students who enter SRVUSD are considered for GATE identification as determined by the SRVUSD's GATE identification criteria. Parents should provide their student’s GATE identification paperwork to their school office. The paperwork needs to include: 1. document that certifies that the student was in a gifted program, and 2. name of assessment measure(s) and student’s scores used to qualify the student for GATE. Please contact Cathy McSweeney if you have questions.