GATE(Gifted & Talented Program
GATE Identification Process
Identification is accomplished through a referral, screening, and assessment process consisting of the following components:
Search and Referral
A referral for identification can be made by a teacher, parent/family member, member of the community, peer, or a student may self-nominate. Interested persons should contact the student's school of attendance and meet with the school site GATE coordinator to initiate the process.
Students Eligible for Gifted/Talented Identification Referral:
- Students who are enrolled in Los Angeles Unified School District schools
- Students who are enrolled in an independent charter school authorized by LAUSD
Charter School Fee-for Service Information
- Affiliated and authorized charter schools may request evaluations for identification of students through the Fee-for-Service process
- Interested charter schools are to contact the Charter Schools Division for information regarding Fee-for-Service process
- The Fee-for-Service form must be signed by the administrator before a referral can be submitted for students to be assessed
Students Ineligible for Referral for Gifted Identification:
- Students enrolled in private schools
- Students enrolled in independent charter schools are either outside of LAUSD boundaries or not authorized by LAUSD.
- Students enrolled in home school programs not affiliated with the City of Angels, an independent study school for LAUSD.
Screening
The referral must be screened and the recommendation to continue the identification process must be made by school certificated personnel. Recommendations must be supported by school records. The Local School GATE Screening Committee collects data from existing sources, such as the cumulative record, standardized test scores and progress report cards. The screening process and recommendation must be documented prior to obtaining the required parent consent.
Parent Consent
A parent consent for assessment must be obtained in order for the student to participate in the assessment process.
District Assessment
Designated District staff assess or review assessment materials and determine the eligibility of students.
Identification Categories
Intellectual Ability
High Achievement Ability
Grade 2 only
Students who demonstrate high achievement on a nationally standardized, norm-referenced, group administered measure of verbal and non-verbal school abilities (i.e., OLSAT-8).
Program options for students identified in the High Achievement Ability category are the resident school GATE program, Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS), Gifted Magnets, Honors classes (middle and senior high schools), and Advanced Placement classes (high school).
Specific Academic Ability
Grade 5 and above (LAUSD students may be systematically identified as gifted each school year through an automated process.)
Students who demonstrate high achievement in English Language Arts or Mathematics (i.e., Smarter Balanced Assessment, District-approved standardized achievement tests, grades) for three consecutive years
Program options for students identified in the Specific Academic Ability category are the resident school GATE program, Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS), Gifted Magnets, Honors classes (middle and senior high schools), and Advanced Placement classes (high school).
Creative Ability
Grade 2 and above
Students who are imaginative, problem-solution oriented, producers of original thought, fluent in ideation and alternative-solution generation, have the ability to reimagine, reinvent, improve, and transform conventional thinking and products; evidenced by student portfolio
Program options for students identified in the Creative Ability category are the resident school GATE program, Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS), Gifted Magnets, Honors classes (middle and senior high schools), and Advanced Placement classes (high school).
Leadership Ability
Grade 2 and above
Students who are passionate about issues that affect their community and environment, influence others to work toward goals, are looked to by others for ideas and decisions, have problem-solving and decision-making skills, and show sense of purpose and direction; evidenced by student portfolio
Program options for students identified in the Intellectual Ability category are the resident school GATE program, Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS), Gifted Magnets, Honors classes (middle and senior high schools), and Advanced Placement classes (high school).
Performing Arts Ability
Grade 2 and above
Students who originate, perform, produce, or respond at exceptionally high levels in either dance, voice, drama; evidenced by student audition
Students identified in the Performing Arts Ability category are invited to attend the Conservatory of Fine Arts and are given priority in selection.
Visual Arts Ability
Grade 2 and above
Students who originate, perform, produce, or respond at exceptionally high levels in drawing or painting; evidenced by student portfolio and demonstration
Students identified in the Visual Arts Ability category are invited to attend the Conservatory of Fine Arts and are given priority in selection.
Note: Once a student is identified as gifted in LAUSD, the student remains identified until graduation.