GATE Program

Mission Statement 

The mission of the Jefferson School Districts Gifted and Talented Education Program is to provide gifted and talented students differentiated instruction that is commensurate with their abilities.  The District will establish programs for gifted and talented students to work together under the guidance of trained teachers in an atmosphere that is intellectually and academically rigorous, fosters creativity, and provides emotional support.

Purpose

The purpose of the GATE program in the Jefferson School District is to provide appropriate learning opportunities for students identified in the intellectual, creative and high achievement categories and to help them develop into autonomous, lifelong learners.  The GATE program is designed to:

• Challenge students to achieve high academic standards
• Develop as critical thinkers
• Develop independent and cooperative learning habits
• To work with their intellectual peers for a portion of their school experience

Belief Statements

°         GATE students will be clustered together to provide opportunities to work with students of similar abilities.

°         GATE students will receive instruction from classroom teachers trained in differentiated instruction.

°         The GATE program will stimulate creative abilities, develop higher-level thinking processes, and provide opportunities to pursue interests.

Authors of the GATE Plan

The JSD GATE Plan was written by classroom teachers, parents and administrators on the GATE Advisory committee.  The plan was approved by the board of Trustees.  The Advisory Committee reviews the plan annually to discuss standards, students needs, set goals and program logistics.  The GATE plan and GATE brochure are available to parents at all school sites, the district office, accessible on the JSD website.