The GATEprogram provides differentiated learning opportunities for those students who have been identified. Student Identification All students are screened at the end of 4th grade along with those new to the District in grades 5-7 for identification for GATE services, using the Otis Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT). A score in the ninth stanine, which is 96% or above, qualifies for services. We also qualify those who have an IQ of 135 or higher. If a parent or teacher and the GATE coordinator determine that further assessment is in order, the Naglieri Non-Verbal test is used. Accepted practice is to identify 3-5 percent of the population.
GATE Services at MVSD Identified students are placed in clusters of 3-6 students in fifth grade and in core classes at the Middle School. Families are informed about both in and out of District opportunities that are available. The District offers after school classes for GATE students throughout the year, along with one or more parent education events. To read the entire District GATE Plan click here.
GATE Advisory Committee The GATE Advisory Committee was formed in October 2007, composed of staff, parents, and the GATE coordinator. This committee serves as an advisory on services and programs.
2010-2011 GATE Advisory Committee Members
Nancy Sigerman, Park
Brenda Biren, Tam Valley
Ben Toland, Tam Valley
Terry Nelson, Old Mill
Rosemary Szeman, Mill Valley Middle School
Jody Branham, Edna Maguire
Robert Thomure, Edna Maguire
Juliet Mohit, Edna Maguire
Jon Sigerman, Park
Julie Eisenberg, Park
Eva Selig, Tam Valley
Leslie Winokur, Mill Valley Middle School
Linda Tanguay, Teacher, Old Mill
Laura Weiss, GATE Coordinator
Mark Barmore, Director of Student Support Services
California Association for the Gifted A conference is held annually in February, which is valuable or both teachers and parents. Sunday offers opportunities for the students as well.
Center for Talented Youth Since 1979, the Center for Talented Youth (CTY) at Johns Hopkins University has focused on the needs of students with exceptionally high academic abilities. The CTY community includes very bright students from all over the world whose talents place them well ahead of their agemates.
Marin Math Circle Since Fall 2009, for grades 6-8 (Fall 2010, includes grade 9). Meets Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Dominican University of California. Emphasizes in-depth exploration and collaborative problem solving. Professional mathematicians explore topics such as: infinite sets, four-dimensional geometry, cryptography, and combinatorics/graph theory. Topics and session leaders change every session or two. Public, private, and homeschool students attend. Please visit: www.marinmathcircle.org.
National Association for the GiftedThe National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is an organization of parents, teachers, educators, other professionals, and community leaders who unite to address the unique needs of children and youth with demonstrated gifts and talents as well as those children who may be able to develop their talent potential with appropriate educational experiences.
SENG- Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted Research information available about misdiagnosis of gifted students and the results of a recent study looking into bullying and being gifted. An annual conference is held in July and speakers are available. Excel for YouthFor students entering 4th-12th grades a unique opportunity for academic enrichment in accelerated classes. These classes are held at the Sonoma State University campus.EPGY- Educational Program for Gifted Youth The Education Program for Gifted Youth at StanfordUniversity is a continuing project dedicated to developing and offering multimedia computer-based distance-learning courses. In addition, there are summer institutes available from ages 11 to 17.
Summer Institute for the GiftedA residential summer program for gifted students held at UC Berkeley. The residential program is based on the idea that students become part of a community of like-minded young people and adults and are supported through an academic program of excellence.
Davidson Institute for Talent DevelopmentTeacher and parent resources available including an on-line community mailing list and discussion forums for educators working with gifted students. The Davidson Foundation offers a Young Scholar Program where families have access to a wide variety of services designed to nurture and support profoundly intelligent young people.
It Takes A Village is a non-profit tax exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our tax identification number is 20-3411435. More information
