The SCUSD and Laurelwood’s philosophy on Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) focuses on ways to differentiate education in the classroom rather than special 'pull out' programs.  Classroom teachers are trained in the “Differentiation Model” which is a philosophy, not an instructional strategy.  A differentiated classroom responds to the varied needs of its learners by providing different avenues to take in information, make sense of new ideas and express what they have learned.  All gifted and talented students are in classroom programs that are planned and organized as an integrated differentiated learning experience within the regular day.

As part of Laurelwood's GATE program, we have offered a GATE "Lunch Time Bunch" club, a Friday after school Math Olympiad club, as well as the National Geographic Geography Bee (for 4^th and 5^th grade students). 

We are always looking for opportunities to increase the educational experiences of the many diverse learners at Laurelwood.

For further information on identification procedures, District philosophy, GATE Parent meeting dates, etc, please go to (Santa Clara Unified School District’s website—Departments-Ed. Services—Gifted and Talented Education) the following link:http://www.santaclarausd.org/departments.cfm?subpage=142483

Santa Clara Unified School District. (SCUSD) has a Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program that is coordinated with the individual schools across the district. As described by the California Department of Education, "the GATE program provides challenging curriculum and instruction to gifted and talented students in California capable of achieving significantly beyond the level of their peers."

The SCUSD philosophy on GATE focuses on ways to differentiate education in the classroom rather than special "pull out" programs. As a resource, the district maintains a document on high level information about GATE at SCUSD. Since the identification process is of special interest to many parents, there is also a diagram of the SCUSD GATE identification process.

SCUSD has an advisory committee with a parent and/or teacher from each elementary and middle school that holds about 4 meetings during the school year to discuss the direction of the GATE program and learn from featured speakers.

One of the most visible opportunities for GATE students is the GATE Summer Academy, which offers several 2-week classes to GATE students during the month of July.

Information on the GATE program at the state level is available at:

http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/gt/

If you have any questions, the coordinator for GATE programs for SCUSD is Johanna Caslander (jcasland@scusd.net).

Information and resources related to implementation of Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) programs.

Program Information
Purpose of the program, Request for Applications, application renewal dates, principal apportionment calculations, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate.

Laws and Regulations
History of legislation, state laws, and regulations related to implementation of GATE programs.

Resources
State Board of Education Recommended Standards for Programs for Gifted and Talented Students, Gifted and Talented Education Program Resource Guide, and outside resources.

MATH SITES:

1. Math olympiad: http://www.moems.org
2. Math Counts: http://www.mathcounts.org
3. Math Kangroo: http://www.mathkangaroo.org/
   

SCIENCE SITES:
   1. Science Olympiad: http://www.soinc.org

   2. Creative: http://www.odysseyofthemind.org

GEOGRAPHY SITES:

Test your Geography Knowledge
Click on an area of the map to select a quiz : http://www.lizardpoint.com/fun/geoquiz/

Improve your geography skills. Fun game teaches states and countries with their capitals. For kids and children of all ages and grades.: http://www.funbrain.com/where/

Improve your Geography Skills with a fun interactive Quiz. Each Geography quiz covers the countries of a continent or geographic area of the world: http://www.ilike2learn.com/ilike2learn/geography.asp

Shockwave Flash.: http://www.pibmug.com/files/map_test.swf

TEST YOURSELF IN ALL SUBJECTS: 

http://gamequarium.com/

Academic Decathlon (Outside Source)
A team competition wherein students match their intellects with students from other schools.

American Association for Gifted Children (Outside Source)
Duke University organization and resources related to gifted education and students.

The Association for the Gifted (TAG) (Outside Source)
A division of the Council for Exceptional Children. Promotes scholarly research, advocacy, and professional development.

Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development (Outside Source)
Sponsored by the University of Iowa. Conducts talent search and educational programs for gifted students.

California Association for the Gifted (CAG) (Outside Source)
A non-profit organization of teachers, administrators, parents, and professionals interested in promoting gifted education in California.

College Admissions Services (Outside Source)
Resources and information about college admissions including financial aid, scholarships, studying for the SAT, writing application essays, and the college admissions process.

Davidson Institute for Talent Development (Outside Source)
Supports profoundly gifted young people and opportunities for development of talents.

Stanford University Education Program for Gifted Youth (EPGY) (Outside Source)
Computer-based distance-learning courses for high-ability students of all ages in an individualized educational experience in a variety of subjects from kindergarten through advanced-undergraduate.

Hoagies’ Gifted Education Page (Outside Source)
Gifted information and resources for parents, educators, counselors, administrators, other professionals, kids and teens.

International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) (Outside Source)
A nonprofit educational foundation that offers curriculum for high academic programs for high school, middle school, and primary grades.

Jacob K. Javits Fellowships Program (Outside Source)
U.S. Department of Education sponsored programs for gifted and talented education funding for elementary, high school, and college students; local educational agency grant programs, and university research.

Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (Outside Source)
The program identifies top academic students in grades two through eight and opportunities for participation in challenging educational programs through their tenth grade year.

National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) (Outside Source)
A non-profit organization of teachers, administrators, parents, and professionals interested in promoting gifted education on a national level.

National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented (NRCGT) (Outside Source)
The NRCGT promotes and publishes research on gifted education related to current and emerging issues in education of gifted and talented students, including GATE students from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic groups.

Odyssey of the Mind (Outside Source)
An international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college involving regional, state, and international competitions.

Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) (Outside Source)
Fosters education and research to support the unique social and emotional needs of gifted individuals.

U.S. Department of Education, No Child Left Behind (NCLB) (Outside Source)
The NCLB Act, administered by the U.S. Elementary and Secondary Education Program, provides federal funding to the state for implementation of programs for improving student academic achievement.

World Council for Gifted and Talented Children (Outside Source)
A worldwide network of educators, scholars, researchers, parents, educational institutions, and others interested in research and information on the gifted.