Gifted and Talented Program (GATE)

At Colfax Charter, we believe that all students must receive an education appropriate to their individual capabilities, interests, and needs, and that students should have learning opportunities that help develop their abilities to the highest level. Our Gifted and Talented Program works to ensure that students who have met the requirements for Gifted and Talented Education receive ongoing differentiated instruction within the core curriculum.

What is differentiation?

Differentiated instruction is not “different” curriculum but the same curriculum taught in a different way. GATE teachers supplement the grade level standards for gifted students based on their individual needs. Students in grades 3-5 who are identified as Gifted and Talented learners are clustered in classrooms with teachers trained in educating gifted learners.

GATE Newsletter

How do students become identified as Gifted?

As a general policy, Colfax students are identified in the 4^th grade after demonstrating at least two consecutive years of superior academic performance on the California Standards Test and showing academic excellence in the classroom. Students can be identified in seven categories;

1. Intellectual

2. High Achievement

3. Specific Academic Ability in Mathematics or Language Arts

4. Visual Arts

5. Performing Arts

6. Leadership

7. Creative

Who do I talk to about Colfax Charter’s Gifted and Talented Program?

The best place to begin a discussion is with your child’s classroom teacher. The teacher will be able to tell you if your child is eligible for GATE assessment and what options you have for identification. We also have two GATE Coordinators on site, Wendy Chester and Jamie Demski, to answer additional questions.