Report on OJUSD GATE Validation Visit

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Report on OJUSDGATE Validation Visit

• August 11, 2008
• Kristi Rapinchuk
• Director of Categorical Programs

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Background

• School districts throughout California must apply
  annually to receive GATE funding.
• Only districts with approved plans on file with
  the California Department of Education are
  approved annually for this funding.
• GATE Plans may be approved from 1 year up to 5
  years.

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Recommended Standards for GATE

• Minimum Standards One year approval
• Commendable Standards Two year approval
• Exemplary Standards Three Year Approval
• GATE Programs being considered for 5 year
  validation receive a visit from a reviewer
  selected by the California Department of
  Education.

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OJUSD Validation Visit May 1-2, 2008

• Reviewer Marilyn Lane
• President
• CAG
• OJUSD was one of 6 districts in the state of
  California to receive a 5 year validation of
  their GATE Program

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Reviewer Comments

• The district has an impressive program that
  serves its GATE students. Special commendation
  is given for the outstanding work of the District
  GATE Coordinator, who oversees all aspects of the
  program and was responsible for the well-written
  GATE application.
• Marilyn Lane, CAG President

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Additional Commendations

• District philosophy of GATE education
• Pull out enrichment program for grades 3-6
  aligned with core curriculum providing broad
  exposure to areas outside of the gifted learners
  current area of experience.
• Annual Parent Orientation including a review of
  characteristics of the gifted as opposed to
  academic high achievers.

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Commendations continued

• District Placement Committee facilitating
  portfolio placement for students not otherwise
  identified.
• Annual evaluation informing revision of
  identification process intended to seek out
  traditionally under-represented students.
• GATE Certification Training

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and a few more ?

• District Elementary GATE Teacher
• Report card screening for potentially at-risk
  GATE students
• Dinner with a Brainiac facilitating the
  transition from 6th grade to Oakdale Junior High
  Honors program.

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Reviewer suggestions added to the 2008-2009 GATE
Action Plan

• Training for Administrators/Counselors will be
  offered on September 11, 2008.
• Explore offering additional Honors sections at
  Oakdale Junior High.
• Continue to expand the variety of AP Classes at
  OHS.

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Many thanks

• GATE Advisory Committee comprised of 28 staff and
  parents
• Interview Panels
• Site/District GATE Coordinators (7 staff)
• GATE/Honors/AP Teachers and Counselors (8)
• Parents (8)
• Elementary, Junior High and High School Students
  (75)