MNPS vision for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) is to have the most outstanding gifted and talented program in the United States.
The mission of GATE/Encore Program is to nurture, challenge, and develop the potential of high-ability students.
• Develop thinking processes
• Promote productive interaction among group members
• Explore the arts through aesthetic education
• Probe the world of science through the application of science process skills
The GATE/Encore Program is a regular education program that is designed to nurture, challenge, and develop the potential of gifted and talented students. Intellectually gifted and academically talented students are those whose intellectual abilities and potential for achievement are so outstanding that they need special attention to meet their educational needs. Eligibility is determined based on demonstration of advanced classroom performance, superior results on a national-normed achievement test, and evidence of higher level thinking as measured by assessment of abstract reasoning and logical thinking.
The GATE/Encore Program serves eligible students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Encore classes meet one-half day each week in local schools. Parents are responsible for providing transportation to GATE/Encore classes since GATE/Encore is an optional program.
Characteristics of an Intellectually Gifted Child
• displays a great curiosity about objects, situations or events
• wants to know "how" and "why"
• has an exceptional memory
• shows a keen sense of observation about human interaction
• displays a sensitivity to the feelings of others
• observes details
• shows a keen sense of humor
• displays an early tendency to do things alone
When you recognize some of these traits in your child or another child you know, contact the child's school and inquire about having him or her assessed for advanced academic talent. Parents, guardians, pediatricians, child care professionals, certified school personnel and students themselves may make referrals for assessment. Students may be referred to the local school support team or directly to the GATE/Encore Office for assessment consideration.
Other Sources
Information about gifted education in general is available on the Internet under the heading "gifted education."
Contact Information
Additional information regarding GATE/Encore Program may be obtained by contacting the Director of Advanced Academics at 615-333-5175 or the Coordinator of Psychology at 615-259-8588.
GATE/Encore School Sites
• 1 Pre-K School: Robertson Academy
• 20 Sites, Grades K-4
• 17 Sites, Grades 5-6
• 38 EO/DC (Encore + EID)
|
GATE/Encore/EID Students |
|
Grades K- 4
Encore Screening for Intellectually Talented
• Someone recommends
• Parents permit
• Students test
OLSAT (127)
and/or Raven (95%)
then Stanford |
Grades K- 2
Early Identification (EID)
• Teachers recommend
• EID teachers observe
• Parents permit
• EID teachers instruct
• Students test
OLSAT (127)
and/or Raven (95%)
then Stanford |
Sample GATE/Encore Units of Study
Pre-Kindergarten
Music Maestro
Recycle/Reuse/Reinvent
Fantasy Fun |
Grades K-4
China
Space
Home Building
Storytelling
Math Around the World |
Grades 5-6
Aeronautics
Footsteps Through the Past |
GATE/Encore Developments 2007- 08
• Advisory Committee
• Research Committee
• Testing Committee
• Professional Growth for Teachers
» Leigh Arino de la Rubia, TSU
» Julia Roberts/Tracy Inman, WKU
» Tamra Stambaugh, Wm&M
» State TAG Conference
• Child Find Training
Good News from GATE/Encore!
| One of the grades 5-6 GATE/Encore teacher, is piloting a collaborative teaching model with MYP teachers at J. T. Moore Middle School this school year. |
| Two GATE/Encore teachers were chosen for teaching positions at the Saturday Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young (SAVY), January 19 - March 8, 2008. |
| Through EID testing before the end of school, students will have additional opportunities to qualify for Encore. |
| Summer GATE/Encore Camp will be held at Robertson Academy, June 2-26, for rising first- through fifth-grade GATE/Encore students. |
Goals for GATE/Encore Program
| Identify and serve effectively all MNPS academically talented students |
| Track students’ classroom performances after leaving GATE/Encore in order to gauge the effectiveness of the Program |
| “Grow” gifted and talented students through EID services at EO/DC schools |
| Establish and maintain a climate of inquiry in GATE/Encore classes |