The Pasadena Unified School District offers a Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program for eligible students in grades 3-12. The program is designed to identify and serve gifted students through differentiated instruction, honors/AP/IB courses, enrichment opportunities like math academies and coding clubs, and special events. Student identification involves universal screening of all 2nd and 5th graders using the Raven and CogAT tests, with additional nominations through grade 11. Currently over 2,000 students, or 12% of PUSD enrollment, are identified as gifted.

1. S
Gifted and Talented
Education
New Parent Orientation
October 6, 2015
Hoori Chalian, M.Ed.
Director, Innovative Programs
Kathleen Saldana
Innovative Programs Program Assistant
(626) 396-3600 ext.88462
OUR CHILDREN. LEARNING TODAY. LEADING TOMORROW.

2. The Pasadena Unified School District offers a
Gifted and Talented Education Program
for eligible students in grades 3 - 12.
The program is designed to meet the unique needs
of gifted and talented students
and to maximize their academic and social development.

3. Identification of Students
Universal Screening
S All students in 2nd grade are assessed using the
Coloured Raven Matrices (Raven)
S All students in 5th grade are assessed using the
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)
Parents, teachers, and administrators can recommend students
in grades 3-11 to participate in GATE testing

4. Overview of GATE Tests
The Raven
S All students in 2nd grade are assessed using the Raven
S Assessment of visual-spatial reasoning skills
S Does not require any reading by the student
The CogAT
S All students in 5th grade are assessed using the CogAT
S Cognitively demanding assessment comprised of 3 batteries:
S Verbal Battery
S Quantitative Battery
S Nonverbal Battery

5. GATE Enrollment Data
S Based on 2014-2015 school year data, there are
2,070 GATE identified students enrolled in
PUSD schools.
S This represents 12% of the total PUSD
enrollment.

6. GATE Instructional Options
ELEMENTARY MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL
Individual Learning
Plans
IB Middle Years
Programme
Honors Classes
Differentiated Instruction Honors/Pre-AP Classes AP Classes
Independent Projects Enrichment Classes IB Diploma Programme
GATE Clusters
Curriculum Compacting
Enrichment Classes:
e.g. Math
Academy/Coding/Theate
r Arts
Innovation Club
International
Baccalaureate
(IB)Programme

7. Curriculum and Instruction
S A differentiated core curriculum program is available to
ensure positive motivation and the intellectual growth of
gifted students.
S Classroom instruction begins with the grade-level core
curriculum and is differentiated based upon students’ needs
and ability ensuring positive motivation and the intellectual
growth of gifted students.
S Opportunities for enrichment through new special programs
such as Math Academy, Coding Club, Innovation Club,
Theater Arts

8. GATE Differentiation Toolkit
Common Core State Standards-
Aligned
GATE Differentiation Toolkit

9. GATE Special Events
S Math Field Day – April 2016
S Innovation Clubs - ongoing
S Innovation Exposition – April 2016
S Junior Docent Program – September 2015-May
2016
--Gamble House
--Pasadena Museum of History

10. Professional Development
S Staff development is provided as needed to support teachers
in understanding the unique learning styles and abilities of
gifted and talented students and in developing appropriate
instructional strategies
S Teachers can complete a minimum of 30 hours of
professional development to earn distinction as a GATE
Certified Teacher
-must complete 6 hours of professional development
every three years to maintain GATE certification

11. A Few GATE Resources…
California Association for the Gifted: http://www.cagifted.org
Council for Exceptional Children, The Association for the Gifted
(CEC-TAG): http://www.cectag.org
National Association for Gifted Children: http://www.nagc.org
Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted: http://sengifted.org
International Baccalaureate Organization: http://www.ibo.org