Welcome to the GATE Program Coordinator: Jennifer Woods

1. Welcome to the GATE Program Coordinator:Jennifer Woods Contact Information: Phone: (760) 290-2900 X3830 Web: jennifer.woods@smusd.org Website: Once at Carrillo’s website, go to “programs” and find “GATE.” “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” -Michelangelo

2. SMUSD Philosophy… • Every child is gifted—the NNVAT identifies only one special form of giftedness • Children are best challenged by open-ended, rigorous, classroom instruction • Parents and teachers may now request to have students tested to find children whose gifts may have been previously hidden within the classroom • Every child deserves to learn something new every day

3. What should my child’s teacher do? • Cluster like students for at least part of the day • Compact the learning • Encourage open-ended assignments and discussions—common core math and writing afford this opportunity • Provide both challenge and remediation for “twice exceptional” students • Allow students to have a safe exposure to failures • Structure opportunities for independent learning and enrichment

4. What if my child didn’t qualify? • Remember that the test is just a safety net—if your child is intelligent and hardworking, they already “shine” in the classroom • “GATE” opportunities are available to learners without identification • Your child will not be excluded from honors classes in middle or high school because they have not been identified

5. How can I support my gifted child? • Live at the library • Foster a sense of discovery through your choice of television, entertainment, hobbies, and trips • Expect rigor, but also expect failures • Emphasize the struggle and process over the product • Teach your child that there are multiple intelligences—it helps them to see the value of their peers in group work

6. The Bright Child • Knows the answers • Is interested • Is attentive • Has good ideas • Works hard • Answers the questions • Is in the top group • Learns with ease • Needs 6-8 repetitions for mastery • Completes assignments • Enjoys peers • Is receptive • Enjoys school • Is adept at following algorithms • Is a good memorizer • Is pleased with own learning

7. The Gifted Learner • Asks the questions • Is highly curious • Is mentally and physically involved in learning • Has wild, silly ideas • Plays around, yet tests well • Discusses in detail • Is beyond the group • Already knows • Needs 1-2 repetitions for mastery • Initiates projects • Prefers adults • Is intense • Enjoys learning • Is an inventor • Guesses well • Is highly self critical "

8. Potential GATE Opportunities for 2013-2014 • Expert Fair • Robotics? • Improv (4th grade) • Jr. Great Books (5th grade) • Puppets (5th grade) • Stock Market Club • 24 Tournament Club • Logic Lunch? • Math Field Day Club?(preparation for the Jewish Academy math events in the spring) • Newsbowl, geography bee, field trips, language, robotics, technology???

9. Questions???