Gifted & Talented (GATE)

Goal
To identify Gifted and Talented students, including those from diverse racial, socioeconomic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, and provide high-quality differentiated opportunities for learning that meet students' unique abilities and talents.

Philosophy
The philosophy of Gifted/Talented Programs is integrally connected to the District’s mission for all students:

• All students are to receive an education appropriate to their individual capabilities, interests, and needs.
• Students must have learning opportunities that help develop their abilities to the highest level.
• Gifted and talented students are atypical learners who require specialized learning experiences beyond the regular curriculum to ensure success.

Identification
LAUSD Board of Education has adopted a plan for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), which includes District policies and procedures for identifying gifted learners in seven categories: Intellectual Ability, High Achievement, Specific Academic Ability, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Creative Ability, and Leadership Ability. The District’s policies and procedures for gifted/talented identification are in accordance with California State requirements.

Students at Colfax Charter take the OLSAT-8 (Otis-Lennon School Ability Test), typically in 2nd grade. More about the OLSAT-8

Differentiation

Teachers of gifted/talented students differentiate the core curriculum through various means, including flexible groupings, acceleration of content, independent study, tiered assignments, interest centers, learning centers, compacting in student’s area of strength, mentorships, adjusting questions, and use of above grade-level resources. Our school provides a rigorous standard of differentiation, rather than “One-Size-Fits-All” instruction as an integral part of the regular school day. Colfax Charter uses the Cluster instructional model for our students identified as gifted and talented.