GATE/Honors MeetingOctober 19, 2016 and October 26, 2016at LCMS at ACS

GATE/Honors MeetingAgenda

● Introductions● Honors

○ Background & Philosophy○ Entrance Criteria ○ Curriculum & Expectations

● GATE○ Characteristics○ Entrance Criteria○ Overview

● Frequently Asked Questions● Next Steps

HonorsBackground & Philosophy

● Needs of all students should be met● Focus on higher order thinking skills and meta-cognition● Rigorous curriculum and instruction● Emphasis on demonstrating autonomy and independence● Personal motivation and life-long learning● Performance based environment

HonorsEntrance Criteria

My child . . .

● does his/her homework without prompting.● reads independently without prompting.● enjoys journal writing or writing assignments.● is an independent reader.● is willing to devote time to do homework nightly.● understands concepts beyond his/her grade level.● enjoys complex problem solving.● is persistent, resourceful and self-directed.● is able to write with use of examples and textual

evidence.

HonorsExpectations

Students must:

● Read and write beyond grade level (usually 2 years)● Have excellent work habits● Be self-motivated● Work both collaboratively & independently● Have earned an “A” grade in Language Arts and/or

Social Science for 2 prior semesters

HonorsExpectations

Assessments

● Minimum score on end of 5th grade Ren Star--1150 Lexile● Advanced score on 5th grade writing assessment● Advanced score on Honors Performance Task● 5th Grade teacher recommendations

HonorsFrequently Asked Honors Questions

● What if my child doesn’t qualify for Honors/Advanced in the 6th grade? Can he/she re-test to move up next year?Each school handles this differently. Re-testing may be required along with teacher recommendation and Ren Star scores

● Can a student still take AP and Honors classes in high school if a student doesn’t take Honors classes in middle school?

ABSOLUTELY!!

Gifted children:● Wonder and ponder● Pick up on concepts easily● Have a superior sense of humor● Desire more challenging activities/ideas/conversation● Think abstractly● Display optimism or idealism● Think quickly and can see relationships● Demonstrate heightened awareness of global issues

AE Wright GATE ProgramCharacteristics of Gifted Students

GATE ProgramOverview

Structure:● Core academics within the GATE cohort ● PE, electives & activities included with the school

Program Foundation:● Depth: Problem-based and project-based learning● Complexity: Interdisciplinary curriculum● Acceleration: emphasis placed on higher level

thinking skills● Novelty: creativity ● Cooperating & socializing with like minded peers● Interdisciplinary and multiple perspectives

Multiple measures are reviewed including:

● Teacher observations and use of checklist● Parent self-screening assessment checklist● District administered IQ test

GATE ProgramEntrance Criteria

● If my child doesn’t qualify in 6th grade can he/she re-test in the 7th grade? No.● How do I know if this is the right program?

If your student qualifies, it should be a family decision.● Can a student take AP and Honors classes in high school if the student

takes GATE classes in middle school? Yes, it is recommended as long as all requirements have been fulfilled. ● How do GATE classes affect Honor Society and/or CJSF qualification?

Additional points are offered for GATE towards CJSF.

GATE ProgramFrequently Asked Questions

6th Grade Sample Schedules

GATE

1. GATE2. GATE3. GATE4. GATE5. Music6. Physical Education

Honors

1. Physical Education2. 6 grade ELA Honors3. 6 grade Social Studies Honors4. Science5. Music6. 6th grade Accelerated Math