GATE Nominations

Nomination packets for next year’s Gifted and Talented (GATE) Program will be available in elementary school offices from April 6 to May 1. Federal Way School District has a Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program at every elementary school. Selection will be determined before the end of the school year. Students can be nominated for the GATE program by a parent/guardian, a community member or a teacher. Students who are not selected for GATE at the end of their 2nd grade year can be nominated again at the end of 3rd or 4th grade, depending on available space.

The GATE class at each school is made up of approximately 25 students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. Once selected, students remain in this multi-age classroom through 5th grade unless the teacher and parent see that it is not the best fit for the child.

In the GATE curriculum, students are taught core subjects and skills for their grade level, plus advanced skills. The program offers accelerated learning opportunities which include project-based learning, research, technology integration, and differentiation based on student interest and need. Students receive the typical Federal Way Public School progress reports and report cards.

Selection of students is based on the following criteria:

  1. Nomination (by a teacher, parent/guardian, or other person familiar with the child)

  2. Academic Achievement

  3. Cognitive Ability and Creativity

  4. School Demographics (The GATE class needs to reflect a mixture of students typical of the school population.)

Important Dates

April 10 to May 1
The nominating teacher, parent or other adult completes a check-list to describe characteristics of the student. The completed nomination is due by May 1, 2009.
May
Classroom teacher provides data on student’s academic achievement as well as input on characteristics of gifted learners.
May
A school selection committee meets to review each nomination and to make recommendations to the principal.
May/June
The principal makes the final selections based on the selection criteria, and notifies families by the first week of June.
June
Final GATE class lists are completed by the end of the school year.

If you have questions about the GATE Program, please contact your child’s teacher or the principal. We would be delighted to speak with you!


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