Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)

Description

The GATE Program is aimed at identifying and serving children who demonstrate advanced skill in language arts and mathematics and who need differentiated instruction in order to improve their chances for maximizing potential.  Differentiated instruction systematically incorporates thinking at deep and complex levels and helps students to develop a broad knowledge base.  It also encourages the development of research skills and real-world products as learning outcomes. Differentiated instruction may also be delivered at a pace faster than normal.

Students are clustered in groups of 5-6 or more within a regular classroom where they receive differentiated instruction.  They are encouraged to become self-motivated, lifelong learners who are equipped to initiate, engage in, and reflect upon independent and group learning.

The social and emotional well-being of students is also addressed by teachers who are trained to understand the unique needs of gifted children.

The GATE Program is offered in every school in the Hawthorne School District.

GATE Program

The Hawthorne School District GATE Program strives to implement high-quality differentiated opportunities for learning that meet the needs of GATE students. GATE students will be provided with a variety of exploratory options that are facilitated by a GATE liaison who is a credentialed teacher. Exploratory options will be customized to meet the student's needs and promote opportunities for creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Exploratory options may include the following:

• LEGO: Legos will provide students with an opportunity to solve real-world problems while utilizing their engineering skills.
• PLTW: Students will be presented with inquiry-based problems that will require students to conduct research, develop a solution,  and present their findings. 
• STEAM EXPO: Students will have an opportunity to participate in our STEAM EXPO and display a project completed within their GATE class.
• STEM Presentations: Students will be provided with opportunities to explore STEM fields, investigate educational pathways, and collaborate with local STEM-based businesses and industries. 
• Field trips: Students will be provided with alternative learning opportunities that extend their academic or learning interests.