GATE (Gifted and Talented) Program at Schroeder

To meet the needs of gifted learners, from kindergarten through sixth grade, Schroeder teachers, provide a differentiated curriculum that will compact, enrich, and/or accelerate the regular curriculum.  Differentiated instruction is not a single strategy, but rather an approach to instruction that incorporates a variety of strategies. Differentiation is not just a “gifted” word.  Every child has the right to learn, and that rate of learning is not universal for all children.  However, all students need high expectations. Differentiation is providing and planning pathways according to the needs and readiness of our students.

Differentiation

•        Depth/complexity (and relevancy)
•        Alter the pace and style as necessary
•         Use high level questioning (think Bloom’s!)
•         Provide guidance to students’ curiosity
•         Allow students to choose content, allow group brainstorming
•         Allow students to show creativity and encourage perseverance
•         Encourage students to show what they have learned through products
•         Allow students to prepare and research alone or together
•         The use of technology throughout the curriculum

Teacher/District GATE Training

•   Representatives from five school districts (WSD, FVSD, OVSD, HBCSD, and GGUSD) came together to define standard requisite competencies for G.A.T.E teachers. This committee created a GATE teacher certification process which meets state requirements. This process includes teacher in-services, teacher collaborations to design differentiated lessons, lesson demonstrations, administrative observations, and yearly professional development. All GATE classrooms within Westminster School District have GATE trained teachers.