Program Description

Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) provides a flexible system of program options that deliver a continuum of appropriate curricular and instructional experiences to its identified Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) students, K-12. The GATE program is site-based. Each site develops a school plan that integrates the needs of the GATE students into its planning for the overall educational program. Based upon an analysis of the needs of identified GATE students, the number and distribution of these students by grade level, and the structure of the school day at the site, schools may provide different delivery systems.

Milpitas Unified offers a variety of program modifications that are particularly designed to meet the needs of gifted and talented students. Instructional strategies accommodate different learning styles and support collaboration and self-reflection. Differentiation of course content is achieved through added depth, complexity, novelty, or acceleration of pace. As in all classes, interdisciplinary, learning-centered curriculum featuring hands-on, collaborative learning activities and materials with real-world applications increase the power and relevance of learning for students.

Goals

The District has used the California State Standards for Gifted and Talented Education to develop the goals of the MUSD GATE program. These goals are:

• To provide differentiated opportunities for learning that match GATE students’ particular abilities and talents.

• To offer alternative learning environments in which GATE students can acquire skills and knowledge at advanced conceptual and creative levels.

• To help GATE students develop sensitivity and responsibility to others.

• To help GATE students develop commitment to constructive ethical standards.

• To assist GATE students in the development of problem-solving abilities.

• To expand each GATE student’s awareness of choices for making contributions to his/her environment.

• To help GATE students develop healthy, realistic self-concepts.

State Approved Delivery Models

Special Day Classes are classes of GATE students of one or more grade levels. Cluster Groupings are groups of identified GATE students within a grade level class; these clusters may flex during the day or week to meet the needs of the students involved. Enrichment programs occur before or after the regular school day.

Primary Grades K-3

There is no formal GATE program in the primary grades, however the needs of gifted primary students are not ignored. All primary teachers are provided training in early literacy skills that focus on the learning needs of each individual student. Gifted students are therefore able to progress at a rate commensurate with their abilities as they develop these crucial foundational skills.

Intermediate Grades 4-6

The formal GATE program begins in grade four. Elementary school sites develop their own programs each year, based upon the needs of the students, and the available resources, and the number of GATE students as stated above.

Secondary Grades 7-12

In the middle and high schools, students have many opportunities for extended learning inherent in the schedule of classes. Many teachers provide thought-provoking and complex assignments challenging the accelerated learning needs of GATE students. At the middle school level, the annual needs assessment and school planning process may result in a variety of options, including but not limited to before and after-school enrichment programs. These may include such offerings as foreign language, advanced science, technology, arts and crafts, or drama.

Milpitas High School offers many Honors and Advanced Placement courses, as well as the opportunity to accelerate in mathematics, science, and the visual and performing arts curricula. Honors courses are available in Chemistry, Pre-Calculus, Geometry A, English 1A, IIA, and II, Drawing Studio, Photography Studio, Ceramics Studio, Special Topics, and Theater Workshop. Advanced Placement courses are offered in Biology, Physics, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Calculus, Geometry, French, Spanish, English, U.S. History, U.S. Government, World History, Computer Science, and Studio Art. These offerings may vary slightly from year to year.

Identification Process

Grades 3-12

The identification process includes three parts: school ability, high achievement, and specific academic area. Results from the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) and state assessments are used for identification.

Students may qualify in one of the following three categories:

• School Ability

In May or June of each year, all third grade students and any fourth grade students new to the district will be tested with the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT). The NNAT

is a brief, culture-fair, nonverbal measure of general ability useful in predicting academic success. Students demonstrating an ability level, as measured on the NNAT, at or above the 96th percentile qualify for GATE services.

• High Achievement (For 3rd and 7th Grade*)

If CAT/6 composite score is 93% or above and CST score is advanced in both English/Language Arts and Math, the student qualifies for GATE services.

*The CAT/6 is administered only at grades 3 and 7 so this identification criteria applies only to these grade levels.

• School Ability

The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) is given one time to students. If a student has not previously taken theNNAT they may take it through the 6th grade.

• Specific Academic Area

A student with a CST score in the same subject area (English/language arts or math) of advanced for 2 consecutive years (after grade 2) and a proficient or advanced score on the other CST subject area (English/language arts or math) for 2 consecutive years qualifies for GATE services.